LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
Chap 8heir 

PRESENTED BY 



The accompanying report was published under a joint resohition 
of Congress, which reads as follows : 

S. R. 148.— Joint resohition providing for the printing of Hotise Document 
No. 396, relating to the Beet-Sugar Industry in the United States. 

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United. States of 
Avievica in Congress assembled, That there be jirinted 60,000 copies of House 
Document No. 396, 55th CongTess, being a Special Report on the Beet-Sugar 
Indiistry in the United States, 27,000 copies for the use of the Hoiise of Repre- 
sentatives, 13,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 20,000 copies for the use 
of the Department of Agriculture. 



SPECIAL REPORT 



ON THE 



1^ ^plicate. 

BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY 



IN THE 



/ 



UNITED STATES 



WASHINGTON: 

CrOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 
1898. 












72742 



MESSAGE 



To the Congress : 

I trausmit lierewitli, for the information of the Congress, a com- 
miiuication from the Secretary of Agriculture, covering a detailed 
report showing the present condition of the beet-sugar industry in this 
country and the results of experiments made by the Department of 
Agriculture in the prod action of sugar from beets in the United 
States during the past year. 

William McKinley. 

Executive Mansion, 

March 31, 1898. 
2 



LETTER OF TRa:NSMITTAL. 



IT. S. Department of Agriculture, 

Office of the Secretary, 
Witskington, B. C, March 25, 1898. 
Mr. President: In a coniuiunication which I addressed to the Vice- 
President on the 17th of hist Jaunary, in obedience to a resohition of 
the United States Senate, on the subject of sugar importation, produc- 
tion, etc., I made tlie following statement: 

Suj^ar will be grown in the United States by farmers. The Department of Agri- 
culture has l)een experimenting in two-thirds of the States of the Union during the 
past year, and will experiment in all the States during the coming year, to ascertain 
where we can grow sugar-producing plants most profitably. A detailed report now 
being prepared for Congress will show the results of the work. 

I now have the honor to transmit, for your information and that of 
the Congress of the United States, that portion of the detailed report 
above referred to covering the subject of beet sugar. For the conven- 
ience of its readers, I have divided it into two distinct j^arts, one part 
consisting of the report of the Chemist of this Department, Dr. H. W. 
Wiley, who for many years, and until the work was intermitted for a 
few years preceding my assumption of office, was in charge of the 
sugar-experiment work, which has formed the basis of most of the 
work undertaken by private enterprise in this important industry. 

The second part consists of the report of the field agent, Mr. Charles 
F. Saylor, appointed May 10, 1897, who has ijersonally visited during 
the j)ast season every State and locality mentioned in his report, inspect- 
ing- sugar-beet plantations and beet-sugar factories and interviewing 
the practical growers and manufacturers. 

During the past five years the people of the United States have paid 
to foreign producers over half a billion dollars for imported sugar. 
The total domestic product for 1807 was 335,650 tons, the total refined 
product of beet sugar 1,700,007 tons, making the total consumption for 
that year 2,090,263 tons. 

Of the total consumption of sugar' in the United States in 1897, 45 
per cent was beet sugar. As the production of beet sugar in the United 
States in 1897 was barely 12^ per cent of the total domestic product, it 
follows that the percentage of beet sugar imported last year to the 
entire sugar imports must have been considerably over 45. 

3 



4 • LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 

Inasmuch as the total amount of sugar now imported into the United 
States can be produced upon a million acres devoted to sugar crops, it 
is manifestly of the first importance that the selection of localities for 
the i)roduction of sugar beets should be most carefully and judiciously 
made, and to do this requires that the sections of the country best 
adapted to tlie growth of this valuable crop should be definitely deter- 
mined. This determination I conceive to be a duty clearly devolving 
upon this Department. 

The facts and figures as briefly presented to your attention eminently 
justify, in my opinion, the devotion of time, money, and talents on the 
part of this Department to the development of this important industry. 
They also explain the widespread popular interest in this subject, 
exi^ressions of which reach us on every side and from all quarters of 
the country. The demand for a farmers' bulletin on the subject of the 
sugar beet, prepared last year by the Chemist of the Department, both 
from Members of Congress for distribution to their constituents and 
from correspondents of the Department, has been such as to severely 
tax our limited appropriation for this class of publications. Nearly 
150,000 copies of this bulletin have already been distributed, and the 
demand appears to be unabated. These facts, I believe, warrant the 
recommendation I have the honor to make in regard to this rei)ort, 
namely, that it be printed by the order of Congress in an edition suffi- 
cient to afford to this Department for its own distribution at least 
20,000 copies, apart from the allotment which Congress may in its 
wisdom make for the use of its own Members. Another and very 
important reason exists for the printing of this report by Congress — 
that under the jiresent law, without the special authorization of Con- 
gress, only 1,000 copies could be printed by this Dei)artment. 

I have the honor to remain, Mr. President, 
! Very respectfully. Jambs Wilson, 

Secretary. 

The President, 

.Executive Mansion. 



COISTTEI^TS. 



EEPORT OF CHP:MIST. 

Pago. 

Letter of transmittal 5 

Prefatory note 11 

References in Annual Report of the Department of Agriciiltnre to matters 

relating to tbe beet-sugar industry 12 

List of bulletins issued by tlie division of chemistry, relating in whole or in 

pftrt to sugar beets 15 

Plan of investigations for 1897 IG 

Climatology 21 

Other conditions 23 

Map of thermal belt 23 

Changes in the new maps 24 

Triple isothermal lines 24 

Beet zone 25 

Annual rainfall 25 

Study of particular localities 27 

North Carolina and West Virginia 27 

Eastern Shore of Maryland 27 

Delaware 28 

New Jersey 28 

Connecticut 29 

Massachusetts 29 

New Hampshire and Vermont 29 

New York 30 

Pennsylvania 31 

Ohio 31 

Michigan 32 

Indiana 32 

Illinois 32 

Wisconsin 32 

Minnesota 33 

Iowa 33 

North and South Dakota , 34 

Nebraska 35 

The arid regions .- 35 

Data from difi"ert>nt States 37 

Data obtained in the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture 40 

Cautions regarding the value of data 41 

Study of the analytical data 56 

Arizona 56 

Report by R. H. Forbes, chemist 56 

Arkansas 60 

California 60 

Colorado 61 

Report by William P. Ileadden, chemist 63 



6 CONTENTS. 

-*?tiuly of the analytical data — Continued. Page. 

Idaho 64 

Illinois 68 

Indiana 68 

Eeport by H. A. Huston and J. M. Barrett 71 

Iowa 72 

Kansas 74 

Kentucky 70 

Maryland 77 

Michigan 78 

Minnesota 81 

Report by Harry Snyder, chemist 82 

Missouri 83 

Montana 85 

Nebraska 86 

Keport by H. H. Nicholson 86 

Nevada 87 

New Jersey 88 

Experiments by .lames B. Vredenbnrgh 89 

New Mexico 90 

Eeport by C. T. .Jordan, special agent 90 

New York 93 

Eeport by W. S.Jordan, director of experiment station at Geneva. ... 94 

Eeport by I. P. Eoberts, director of experiment station at Ithaca 96 

Elevations of region of New York suited to beet culture 98 

North Dakota 99 

North Caroliua 99 

Ohio 100 

Oklahoma 103 

Eeport by G. E. Morrow, director 103 

Oregon 103 

Eeport by G. W. Shaw 104 

Pennsylvania 108 

Ehode Island 110 

South Carolina 110 

South Dakota 110 

Texas 112 

Tennessee 113 

Virginia 114 

' Eeport by William B. Alwood, vice-director 114 

Washington 115 

Eeport by Elton Fulmer, chemist 116 

AVisconsin 119 

Wyoming - - . - 123 

Vermont 124 

Eeport by Joseph L. Hills, director .' 125 

Influence of temperature on the quality of sugar beets 125 

Sugar beets as cattle food 128 

Use of beet pulps as cattle food 129 

Diffusion pulps or exhausted cosettes 130 

Feeding experiments with beet pulp 131 

Beef cattle '. 131 

Oxen 131 

Milch cows .• li>l 

Sheep 132 

Experiments made with ewes 132 

Experiments by Andouard and i )ezaunai 1^^ 



CONTENTS. 7 

"Page. 

Summary of data collected in previous years . . . , 134 

Notes on preceding table 140 

Investigation in seed production 141 

Tennessee 144 

Report by Charles W. Vanderford 145 

Kentucky 145 

Indiana 146 

Iowa - 146 

Report by C. F. Curtiss 147 

Wisconsin 147 

Analyses made in laboratory of Department of Agriculture 150 

New York 155 

Data of each variety 156 

Vilmorin's la plus riche 156 

Vilmorin's Improved Schuyler seed 156 

Vilmorin's Improved 156 

Demesmay 157 

Vilmorin's Improved Elite, grown by Dippe Bros. 157 

High Grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener 157 

Original Kleinwanzlebener (Holland) 157 

Kleinwanzlebener Elite 157 

Classiiication of the beets of all varieties 158 

Preservation o^f mother beets , 158 

Growth of seed from mothers above described 158 

Necessity of seed development 158 

REPORT OF FIELD AGENT. 

The experiments in gi'o wing sugar beets in 1897 IGl 

Tbe extensive consumption of sugar 161 

Present status of the industry 162 

The sugar-beet belt 164 

The work of the Department 165 

Modifying conditions 166 

Physical condition of the soil 167 

Altitude 168 

The importance of the industry to this country 169 

Rents and values 169 

High state of land culture 170 

Employment of labor and demand for crude material 170 

By-products 171 

Molasses 172 

Alcohol 174 

Food for stock 174 

Fertilizers 174 

The United States as a competitor of Europe in the l)eet-sugar industi-y 175 

Natural fertility of the soil 175 

American ingenuity and enterprise 176 

Favored markets 177 

Comparatively small area needed 177 

General observations on experiments of last year 178 

Experimental beet plants 178 

Preparation of the soil for experiments 179 

Planting- of experimental beds 180 

Cultivation of experimental plats 181 



8 CONTENTS. 

General observations on experiments of last year — Continued. ' Pa^e. 

Sampling 181 

Yield, or "tonnage," per acre 182 

Small beets 182 

The factor of intelligence in farming 183 

Local prosperity attending the beet-sugar industry 184 

The ■work of the experiment stations 184 

Organized effort 185 

General suggestions for raising sugar beets 186 

Soil and preparation of the seed bed 186 

Planting 187 

Planting and cultivating implements 188 

AVidth of rows 189 

Thinning and bunching 190 

The time for thinning 190 

Cultivation 191 

Harvesting , 191 

Silos 191 

Harvesting implements 192 

Irrigation 193 

Subirrigation 195 

Blight in beets 196 

Conditions in the spring of 1897 196 

Value of crop 197 

Beet seed 199 

Factory conditions 200 

Quality of beets 201 

Pure water 201 

Fuel 201 

Limestone 202 

Markets 203 

Original cost 203 

Permanent agricultural conditions 203 

Lime and Avater for beet-sugar factory purposes 205 

Salts in solution and their efl'ect in water nscd in sugar manufacture 205 

Mclassigenic salts 206 

Lime rocks and waters used in the manufacture of beet sugar 207 

Answers of factorj' ofheials to questions relative to factory work 208 

Observations growing out of answers to questions submitted to factory 

operators 212 

Cost of factories 212 

Estimate of a beet-sugar factory of 300 tons capacity jier day 213 

Estimate of cost, running expenses, and profits of a beet-sugar factor}' 

of capacity of 500 tons of beets i)er day 215 

New factories 216 

Pulp feeding 216 

Crude materials required per ton of boots worked 217 

Sugar consumption of leading European countries and the United States 218 

; Rate of increase in consumption of sugar per cai)ita 218 

The beet-sugar industry in Germany 219 

Experience of successful growers of sugar beets 220 

Answers to questions 220 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Paga 
Platk 1. Map showing isothermal lines of 68°, 69°, 70=, and 71° F. for the 
months of June, July, and August, and mean tenijieratnres for the 
same months at other points in the State of New York and jiarts 

of adjacent States on the East 22 

2. ]\Iap showing the proLahlo areas suited to beet culture 24 

[) 



SPECIAL REPORT ON THE REET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

REPORT OF THE CHEMIST. 

H. W. Wiley. 



LETTER OF SUBMITTAL. 

IT. S. DepartiMent op Agriculture, 
Division of Chemistry, 
Washington, D. C, March 2, 189S. 
Sir: I submit herewith for your cousitleration tlie manuscript contaiuing the data 
of recent Investigations on the growth of sugar beets and the maiiufacture of sugar 
therefrom. 

Respectfully, H. W. Wiley, 

Chief of Division of Cliemisi^'i/, 
Hon. JaiJies Wilson, 

Secretary of Agriculture. 



PREFATORY NOTE. 

The investigations condncted by tlie Department of Agriculture for 
many years in the study of sugar-producing i)hints and methods of 
manufacturing sugar in the Uuited States were suspended by order of 
Secretary Morton in 1893. In resuming the study of this subject by 
order of Secretary Wilson, it is important that citations to the work 
already done be presented. The student of the subject will be able 
from these citations to have a general idea of the scope of the work 
which has been accomplished, and will be guided in further research by 
the data contained in the brief resume which will be appended. It is 
not i)ossible in such a list of citations to refer to the work which has 
been done by the agricultural experiment stations nor by private indi- 
viduals. A collection of the titles of all accessible works in Englisli 
relating to the subject of the sugar beet has been issued by the library 
of this Department as the library bulletin for June, 1897, entitled Eef- 
erences to the Literature on the Sugar Beet, Exclusive of Works in 
Foreign Languages. 



12 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Ill tlie resume of citations given below are first noted the publica- 
tions wliioh have been made in the annual reports of the Department 
of Agriculture, and afterwards a list of the special bulletins relating 
to beet sugar will be found. Many important papers have been jjub- 
lished in the annual reports, which stiulents of the beet-sugar industry 
might wish to consult. It is interesting to know that as early as 1807 
Dr. Antisell, at that time the Chemist of the Department, pointed out 
the probability that an area or belt suited to the culture of the beet 
might be mapped out. He gave also some of the probable data which 
would be used in determining the limits of this belt. The annual 
report for 18(>8 contains a reference to the fact that Henry Clay visited 
Europe and made a study of the beet sugar industry on the Continent, 
and presented the results of his studies in a speech delivered in the 
Congress of the United States. Careful search of the records has not 
been able to discover this report in print. 

It is to be regretted that many of the agricultural reports are entirely 
'out of print, and the same is true of the greater part of the bulletins 
which have been issued on the subject of beet sugar. It will therefore 
not be possible for the Superintendent of Public Documents to supply 
the bulletins which are marked out of print to those who may desire to 
secure them. 

Following the resume of the work already done is given an account 
of the investigations conducted under the supervision of the Cheniical 
Division of this Department during the year 1897. 

REFERENCES IN ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE DEPARTMENT OP AGRICUL- 
TURE TO MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUGAR-BEET INDUSTRY. 

1862. 536. Relative to the composition of beet juice. 

1867. 32. Report of Thomas Autisell, Chemist, Department of Agricnltnro, 

Dr. Antisell indicates the following as the i^robahle ''beet belt," based on tempera- 
ttiro conditions: 

"The northern limit of the beet enlture is donbtful. On the plains of Russia it is 
grown where the isocheimal line is 10°. If this would hold good on this continent, 
there is no portion of the United States too cold for its culture. This vast extent of 
country is naturally divided into two regions, viz: (1) The middle division of the 
temperate zone of the United States, lying between parallels 39 and 13, comiirising 
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, southern Idaho, with an area of 453,000 
square miles, is favorable to beet culture, the mean annual temperature varying 
between 47° and 53° F ; (2) the district between parallels 36° and 39°, embracing the 
border States, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, 
Missouri, with Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and nortliern California, possessing 
an area of 675,000 square miles and a mean annual temperature of 58° to 60° F., is 
also favorable to the beet; so that a belt of country 7° wide in latitude and with an 
extent of 1,129,000 8<xuare miles is open to this industrial art." 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



13 



In experimeuts in beet culture on the Depaitmeut grounds the maximum percent- 
age of sugur in tlie juice is given for each variety : 



Variety. 



White Silesian : 

Red top 

Greeu top 

"Wliite Magdeburg 

Improved White imperial 
Beta Iiiiperialis : 

No.l 

No.2 

Vilmoriu's Improved 

Castlenaudry Yellow 



Number 


Per cent 


of tests. 


•of 


sugar. 


12 




6.97 


10 




7.20 


12 




7.74 


11 




7.31 


12 




ti.70 


12 




7.40 


12 




7.40 


12 




8.00 



1867. 48. Methods of sugar manufacture in Europe. 

1868. 158. Report of Theodore Genuert to the Commissioner of Agriculture. A 
general article on the statistics and manufacture of beet sugar. 

1868. 164. Notes on the manufacture of beet sugar in Europe. 

In 1867 the Department sent nine varieties of seed to Ckatsworth, 111., for trial, 
with the following results : 



Polarization. 

No. 1 11.90 

2 10.95 

3 12.59 

4 12.21 

5 11.57 

6 13.52 



Polarization. 

No. 7 11.98 

8 13.67 

9 13.25 



Average 12. 40 



Mention is made in this article that while in Europe Henry Clay took much inter- 
est in the beet-sugar industry and afterwards, in a speech in Congress, predicted 
great results from the introduction of the industry into the United States. 
1869. 334. A review of the manufacture of sugar in Europe. 

1869. 345. A letter included in the above review. It reviews the manufacture in 
Europe and mentions trials made in the United States. The first attempt to 
produce beet sugar in this country, mentioned in this review, was by Jobn 
Vaughn and .James Ronaldson, Philadelphia. Seed was imported and beets 
Avere grown, but no factory was built. 

1870. 88. Report of the Chemist on Beet Sugar. He states that the returns of the 
growth of sugar beets in this country have not yet shown an appro-ach to that 
amount of sugar which is yielded by the growth of France and northern 
Germany. Beets grown at Chatsworth, 111., from seeds supplied by the 
Department of Agriculture contained from 9.31 to 11.24 per cent of sugar. 

1870. 215. Progress of the beet sugar industry in Europe. A brief statistical 

article. 
1870. 210. Largely historical. Three establishments were iii operation — Chats- 
worth, 111., Alvarado, Cal., Sauk County, Wis. Capacity of the Chatsworth 
factory, 50 tons of beets per day. 
1872. 154. Report of Rylaud T. Brown, Chemist, United States Department of 
Agriculture. Following are some of the chief points mentioned: 
Tlie experiments of David L. Child, at Northampton, Mass., 1838, arc probably the 
earliest recorded in this country. 

The factory of Bonestcel and Otto, at Fond du Lac, Wis., 1867, had a capacity of 
10 tons of beets per day j capital; $12,000. 



14 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITE© STATES. 

Anal.VBes of beets giowu ou the exiierimuutal I'lirm of the University of Virginia, 
1872, viz : 



Variety. Weight. ^^S^^^^l 



Ounces. 

White Siloii;in (French seed) ! Sij 

('arter's Prize Nursery (English seed) i 16 

Vilnioriir.s Improved (French seed) \ 30i 



Per cent. 
11.75 
13.72 
12.54 



White sugar beet (Philadeli)hia) 33 J , 10. 17 



187J. 451. April, 1872, the legislature of New Jersey jtassed an act, operative for 

ten years, exempting beet-sugar factories from taxation. 
1S73. lOS. A brief report bj' the Statistician. 

Tlie two California factories produced an estimated total of 750 tons of sugar 
during 1873. 
1873. 287. Relative to the capacity and product of the Alvarado factory. Capacity, 

7,000 tons of beets per annum. 

1875. 512. A resume of a German report on the composition of sugar beets. 

1876. 153. Statistics 6f the production of sugar in various countries. Mention is 
made in this article of a factory at Soquel, Santa Cruz County, Cal. The 
State Agricultural Society of California reported in 1871 that the production 
of beet sugar in the State amounted in 1870 to 500,000 pounds; in 1871 to 
800.000 pounds; in 1872 to 1,125,000 pounds, and in 1873 to 1,500,000 pounds. 

187(5. 2(3(5. Statistics of the yield of beet sngar, by countries. 

1877. 213. A brief statement as to soils suitable for bee*s. 

1877. 579. German statistics. 

1878. 117. Analysis of a sample of beet-root sirup. 

1879. 67. Areport on the analysis of seven sugar beets received from various i)arts 
of the country. The percentage of sugar in the juice ranged from 8.9 to 11.3, 
tlie latter sample being from Oswego, N. Y. 

1879. 184. General sugar statistics. 

1880. 9. Report of the Commissioner of Agriculture. A report of the condition of 
the Maine Beet Sugar Company and a statement of the experiments in Delaware 
were made. Capacity of the Maine factory, 150 tons per day. In 1877 the State 
legislature of Delaware appropriated $300 as premiums to farmers for crojis of 
sugar beets, and in 1878 $1,500 were appropriated for the same purpose. Imper- 
fect experiments were made in 1878 by the Delaware Beet Sugar Company. Tlie 
total crop amounted to 350 tons of roots, yielding an average of 9 per cent of 
sugar. A new factory was built by Colwell Brothers, of New York, costing 
$30,000, with a capacity of 60 tons of roots per day of twenty-four hours. The 
company did not make running exjienses, but the experiment was encouraging. 

1880. 619. A letter from E. H. Dyer urging a bounty law. 

1881. 675. Statistics of sugar production. Statistics of domestic sugar are given 
in brief. Beet sugar was made successfully for three successive seasons in 
California in one factory. The Maine factory, which was in operation for 
three seasons, jiroducing in one year 1,200,000 pounds and in another 1,000,000 
pounds of sugar-, was obliged to suspend operations for Avant of beets, wliich 
the farmers thought they could not grow at the prices offered, namely, $5 to $6 
per ton. 

1884. 22. Report of H. W. Wiley to the Commissicmer of Agriculture on the North- 
ern sngar industry in 1883. This is an abstract of data given in Bulletin No. 3 
of the Division of Chemistry. 

1884. ,529. Yield of beet sngar in Russia. 

1886. 341. Analyses of sugar beets grown in various parts of the country. Most 
of these samples ((mtainedvery little sugar, with one exception. This sample 
contained 18.84 per cent, and was from Menominee, Mich. The highest per- 
centage of sugar in theother samples was 11.71. Twenty eight testa were made. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 15 

1889. 140. Cultivation of the sugar beet. Report of the Cliemist. 

1890. 167. Experiments with sugar beets. Abstract of a report published in full 
in Bulletin No. 27 of the Division of Chemistry. 

1891. 150. Experiments -with sugar beets. Abstract of a report published in full 
in Bulletin No. 30 of the Division of Chemistry. 

1891. 156. Laws relating to taxation and bounties in various countries. 

1892. 128. A rdsumo of experiments with sugar beets. Full details of this work 
are j)ublished in Bulletin No. ,36 of the Division of Chemistry. 

1892. 467. Statistics of beet-sugar production for the year 1892 : 

Pounds. 

Utah Beet Sugar Company 1, 473, 500 

Alameda Sugar Company 2, 506, 860 

Western Beet Sugar Company 11, 390, 921 

Chino Valley Beet Sugar Company 7, 903, .541 

Oxnard Beet Sugar Company 2, 110, 100 

Norfolk Beet Sugar Company 1, 698, 400 

Total 27, 083. 322 

In 1891 these factories produced a total of 12,004,838 pounds. 

1893. 175. Experiments with sugar beets. This is an ab.stract of a report published 
in full in Bulletin No. 39 of the Division of Chemistry. 

1893. 184. Growth of beets at diifercnt altitudes. 

LIST OF BULLETINS ISSUED BY THE DIVISION OF CHEMISTRY- 
RELATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART TO SUGAR BEETS. 

Bulletin No. 3, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Northern 
Sugar Industry; edited by 11. W. Wiley, 1884; pp. 118 (out of print). Pages 
24 to 29 of this report relate to the beet sugar industry. 

Bulletin No. 5, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Sugar Indus- 
try of the United States; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1885; pp. 224 (out of print). 

Part second of this report, including pp. 73 to 136, inclusive, 12 plates, relates to the 
beet-sugar industry. 

Bulletin No. 27, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. The Sugar Indus- 
try : Culture of the Sugar Beet, and Manufacture of Beet Sugar ; edited by 
H. W. Wiley, 1890; pp. 262 (out of print). 

Bulletin No. 30, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments 
with Sugar Beets in 1890; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1891 ; pp. 93 (out of print). 

Bulletin No. 33, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Ex])eriments 
with Sugar Beets in 1891 ; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1892; pp. 1.58 (out of print). 

Bulletin No. 36, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments 
with Sugar Beets in 1892; edited by H. W. Wiley, 1893; pp. 74 (out of print). 

Bulletin No. 39, Division of Chemistry, Department of Agriculture. Experiments 
with Sugar Beets in 1893 ; by Harvey W. Wiley, with the collaboration of 
Walter Maxwell, 1894; pp. 59. 

MISCELLANEOUS BULLETINS AND REPORT. 

Special Rei)ort No. 28, United States Dei^artment of Agriculture. Report on the 
Culture of the Sugar Beet and the Manufacture of Sugar Therefrom, in France 
and the United States; by Wm. McMurtrie, 1880; pp. 294 (out of print). 

Farmers' Bulletin No. 3, United States Department of Agriculture. Culture of the 
Sugar Beet; by H. W. Wiley, 1891; pp. 24 (out of print). 

Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, United States Department of Agriculture. The Sugar 
Beet: Culture, Seed Development, Manufacture, and Statistics; by H. W. 
Wiley, 1897; pp. 48. 



16 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

PLAN OF THE INVESTIGATIONS FOR 1897. 

On the 1 Itli dixy of Jtiuuaiy, 1897, the folio wiug letter was addressed 
to the Secretary of Agriculture : 

Sik: Numerous inquiries for sugar-beet seed have como to this division instead of 
to tlie seed division, and I am unable to give any definite answer to our correspond- 
ents in respect of the policy of the Department regarding the distribution of tlie 
seeds in question. I would be glad to know if it would be possible for the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture to provide a few thousand packages of high-grade beet seed 
which could be distributed to inquiring farmers. There is a widespread interest iu 
this country in the sugar-beet iudustry, and it appears to me that a part of the 
money voted by Congress for the distribution of seeds could be very profitably used 
in supplying experimenters with the best quality of sugar-beet seed. Farmers can 
not be certain iu buying beet seeds from dealers that they are getting anything 
more than the ordinary quality of garden seeds. The guaranty of the Department, 
however, that they are securing high-grade sugar-beet seeds would be of great 
advantage. 

I am now engaged in a revision of Farmers' Bulletin No. 3, to be used in supiilying 
the information which is so largely asked for resjiecting the culture of the sugar 
beet and the manufacture of sugar .i.- erefrom. It would be of interest to make a 
statement in this bulletin iu regard w'tlio possibility of securing the seeds from the 
Department. An early reply to this inquiry will be appreciated. 
I am, respectfully, 

H. W. Wiley, Chief of Div'mon. 

The hrtiorable the Secretary of Agriculture. 

Iu rei^ly to this request, iu the following letter the iuforuiutiou was 
conveyed that no funds were available for the purchase of beet seeds: 

United States Department of Agriculture, 

Office of the Assistant Secretary, 

WaslihKjion, D. €., January 13, 18D7. 
Dear Sir : The Secretary has handed me your letter of the lltli instant, calling his 
attention to the advisability of distributing some sugar-beet seed in connection with 
the present Congressional seed distribution. 

If this matter had been mentioned in time it would have 1)een possible to purchase 
a supply of l)eet seed. As it is now, however, the whole appropriation for the pur- 
chase of seed is exhausted. There is not a dollar left with which sugar-beet seed 
could be purchased. If you will bring the matter up early next June it will be 
jjossible to include sugar-beet seed in the distribution of the following year. 
Very truly, yours,' 

Ciias. W. Dabney, Jr., Assistant Secretary. 
Dr. H. W. Wiley, Chemist. 

All further attempts to reestablish the investigations looking to the 
introduction of the sugar-beet iudustry in the United States, which 
had been suspended during four years, were therefore deferred to await 
the action of the new Adiuinistrafcion. 

Immediately after Secretary Wilson assumed the duties of his office, 
arrangements were made for a renewal of the investigations, but that 
date was entirely too late to purchase seeds directly from the growers 
in Europe; therefore arrangements were made with the Oxnard Beet 
Sugar Company, which kindly ottered to donate the quantity of seed 
required for the purpose. As rapidly as possible the seeds were sent 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 17 

to different parties in tlie United States interested in the subject, 
special attention being given to distributing the seed in those localities 
where the theoretical conditions for the production of sugar were the 
best. Packages were sent directly to the addresses of pai^ties in dif- 
ferent parts of the country, and large quantities of seed were distrib- 
uted through the media of agricultural exi^erinient stations, boards of 
trade, business men's associations, and others interested particularly 
in the culture. It is impossible, therefore, to determine the number of 
persons who were actively engaged in the work during the year. 

In so far as possible the cooperation of the agricultural experiment 
stations was secured, it being deemed advisable to conduct the experi- 
meuts in each State under the direct auspices of the State authorities. 
It was only when such cooperation could not be secured or where 
preference was shown for direct communication with the Department 
of Agriculture, and in miscellaneous cases, that the experiments were 
conducted directly under the auspices; of the Department. Copies of 
Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, contair'- erections for planting and culti- 
vating the crop, were sent to every iierson directly interested in the 
experiments, as well as to many others. 

The promiscuous method of investigation which has been practiced 
during this and i)receding years is faulty and unsatisfactory. In former 
reports the objections to such investigations have been outlined. In 
Bulletin No. 27 of this division (on pages 6, 7, and 8) is found a number 
of statements relating to the general conduct of experimental work, 
which are still pertinent. Inasmuch as this bulletin is out of print, it 
will be found of interest to repeat these statements here: 

It must bo miilerstood that the object of this bulletin is not to fjfivo a complete 
treatise upon the culture of the sugar beet and the manufacture of sugar therefrom, 
but simply to indicate, for the information of those interested, the general principles 
of this industry. One especial object which will lie kept in view is to i^revcnt those 
intending to engage iu this industry from going wroug in the beginning and squan- 
dering their money and time iu battling with problems which science has already 
met and overcome. It is further hoped that the careful study of the data presented 
will i)revent any mistakes from being made which would end iu linaucial disaster 
and which are so aj)t to attend the oarly bistory of every industry. 

There will probably bo found for many years to come in the United States more 
enthusiasm than knowledge connected with the sugar beet, and the result of this 
will be, unless great care is taken, that many ventures will be made which may 
result in financial disaster, disaster whicb could have been avoided by a thorough 
comprehension of the fundamental principles of the industry. 

In so far as the manufacture of sugar from the matured beet is concerned, we are 
able to start at the present time Avith the accumulated knowledge ami experience of 
three-quarters of a century of investigation. So perfect have the processes of manu- 
facture become that nearly all of the sugar which is stored in the beet can be 
secured in merchantable form and by comparatively inexpensive methods. By the 
term inexpensive, however, it must be understood thit the actual processes of manu- 
facture are denoted and not the cost of the machinery. The various processes for 
the extraction of the sugarr from the beet, the best methods of clarifying the juice 
and of evaporating it and for separating the sugar from the molasses, are thoroughly 
H. Doc. 396 2 



18 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

\vell iimleistoutl and are no longer logitimate subjects fur public experimout. The 
jj;reat iiroblcm in this country i.s the agricultural one. The selection of suilablosoil, 
the finding of the proper climatic conditions, and instruction in the method of plant- 
ing, cultivating, and harvesting the beets, are all matters of vital importance. With- 
out a careful study of these subjects, and without the i)roper knowledge thereof, it 
is a hoi>elcs8 task to attempt to introduce successfully the beet-sugar industry into 
this country. 

One of the great dangers to be avoided is the formation of hasty conclusions in 
regard to the proper localities for the production of the sugar beet. Often without 
any study whatever of the climatic conditions or of the character of the soil, ciloits 
are made to build large and expensive factories, which as often have to bo abandoned 
on account of having been Avrongly located. The studies which have been made 
heretofore in regard to climatic conditions have been of such a nature as to locate, 
in a general way, the areas in the United States suitable for the culture of the 
sugar beet. 

It has been found in general that the coast valleys of California, and probably 
large areas in Oregon and Washington, certain parts of the Dakotas and Nebraska, 
localities in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan, parts of northern Illinois, 
Indiana, Ohio, and New York present favorable conditions ior sugar-beet culture; 
but in the regions thus broadly intimated there are certain restricted areas most 
suitable to the sugar beet, and it is only these restricted ai-ens to which we must 
look for success. The fiict that in one locality, for instance in Nebraska, good sugar 
beets can be produced would be no Avarrant whatever for assuming that all parts of 
that State were equally suitable for this purpose, and this remark may be applied 
to every one of the States mentioned above. 

Sugar beets have also been raised in other sections in the United States, notably 
in New England, Now Jersey, Delaware, and Kansas, and while there may bo areas 
in the New England States where beets can be successfully grown, it must be 
admitted that the States last named stand in the second rank of beet-sugar produ(!- 
ing localities. In Kansas, during the last year, as will be shown in the body of this 
report, sugar beets were grown and a considerable quantity of sugar manufactured 
therefrom. This, however, does not show that Kansas will be able to compete with 
more favorable States in the iiroduction of beet sugar. 

In general, it may be said that the summers in Kansas are too hot to expect the 
production of a sugar beet uniform in its nature and containing a high percentage of 
sugar. 

If the sugar-beet industry is to succeed in this country, the success must come 
from sharp competition with the same industry in older countries, where its condi- 
tions are better understood and where the localities suited to it have been selected 
by long and often costly exiierience. It nmst also compete Avith the sugar-cane 
industry, both of this country and of tropical countries, and for this reason Ave can 
only expect it to survive in those regions Avhere soil and climatic conditions, prox- 
imity to fuel, cheapness of labor, and other faA-^orable environments are found. 

It is to he hoped that the mistakes Avhich have so long threatened the sorghum- 
sugar industry Avith destruction may be aA'oided Avith the sugar beet. Calm judg- 
ment and sober reason must not give way to enthusiasm and extravagant expecta- 
tions. All conditions of success must be carefully studied, all the dithculties in the 
Avay of success must be intimately investigated and surmounted, and ample capital, 
coui)led with judicious perseverance, must be enlisted in its behalf. 

For the proper erection and completion of a beet-sugar factory not less than twelve 
months should be allowed, and even in tiiis time it can only be properly accomplished 
under (experienced technical control. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTliY IN THE UNITED STATES. 19 

111 Biilletiu No. 30 (ou page 7) the followiug ubservatious are found: 

Duly iu a few iustauces were the directions of tlie Departuieut followed out to the 
letter. In most cases the plaiitiug and cultivation of the beet sliced were conducted 
according to such methods as the agriculturist might hit upon at the tiuu^. From 
the iuforiuatiou gathered it was found that the chief variation from the instructions 
was in the preparation of the soil. In very few cases was a subsoil plow used and 
most of the beets which wore sent to the Department were evidently grown iu soil 
of insufficient depth. Iu some cases, whore the exact directions for cultivation were 
carried out, the character of the beets received showed by contrast with tlio others 
the absolute necessity of employing the best methods of agriculture for their pro- 
duction. 

Iu liulletiu ISTo. 33 (ou page 9) the followiug statemeut is ma<le: 

One of the most striking features in regard to this method of conducting cxpeii- 
mental work is found in the fact that it is almost impossible to secure compliance with 
directions. It is evident, at once, that the value of experimental work depends upon 
the care with which it is done aud the aciuraey with whicli the directions ])rescribed 
are followed. It is not to be wondered at that fanners, busy with their other occu- 
pations, failed to comply with the minute directions necessary to secure the greatest 
advantage in experimental work. 

Very few of the blanks were returned properly filled out. In many cases the data 
which were returned were palpably orri)neous. In one instance a yield of Dt) tons per 
acre was reported, and in a great many cases the reported yield per acre was so great 
as to show inaccuracy on the part of the measurement of the land or the weighing of 
the beets. In making out returns for such reported phenomenal yields the theoretical 
quantity of sugar per acre given was always questioned. Wo are accustomed to look 
with suspicion upon any yield of sugar beets which exceeds 25 tons per acre. While 
it is not impossible to secure a higher yield than this, and of beets oj" good saccharine 
quality, yet it is so rare as to throw doubt iqiou miscellaneous data showing an 
excess of that yield. 

Another point, which makes the returns obtained less valuable, is found in the fact 
of llio length of time which necessarily elapsed between the harvesting of the beets 
and their reception at the laboratory. Nearly all the samples received were from 
distant States, requiring for packages of this kind from three to eight days in the 
mails. Although the beets were in most cases well wrapped, according to directions, 
our experiments have shown that they must have lost a considerable quantity of mois- 
ture by evaporation during their long transit. The data, therefore, showing the con- 
tent of sugar in the juice would l>e uniformly too high for uormal beets. It is estimated 
that not less than 10 per cent should be subtr.acted from the number for sugar to 
express the uormal percentage of sugar in the beets as originally harvested. 

Iu Bulletin No. 30 (on page 28) the ideas outlined above are some- 
what expanded iu the following words: 

Before proceeding to discuss the data in the preceding tables, attention shoukl bo 
called to the fact that in previous reports of this kind some dissatisfaction has been 
expressed in some States on accouut of the poor showing of the samjiles theret'rom. 
In ibrmer reports attention has been particularly called to the probability that the 
data obtained by this method of cxperimeutation are not wholly reliable and in all 
cases do not truly represent the capabilities of any locality for beet-sugar production. 
It is true that a large number of data received from a given State will indicate, in a 
general way, whether or not that State is capable of ])roducing a good sugar l)eet, 
but where the number of data is limited, it may be that the agricultural conditions 
under which the samples were produced were so poor, ov the season so exceptional, 
as to prevent a fair judgment of the capabilities of the soil and climate. On the 



20 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

other lian«l, tho culture which the samples received may have heeu so careful aud 
the seasoual conditious so favorable as to produce a beet far above the average 
which could be produced in tho whole State. 

Again, tho loss of moisture during transportation, or the failure of the farmers to 
send their beets in as soon as liarvested, nniy tend to reduce the amount of water 
l>reseut in tho beet and to raise correspondingly the ([uantity of sugar therein. Inas- 
niueh as the analyses are made on the expressed juice, this would tend to show 
always an increased amount of sugar over that present naturally in the beets. 

All these disturbing inllnences must be taken into consideration in judging the 
data Avhich have been recorded. This has been said in general explanation so as to 
forestall any criticisms which may be made of the value of the data obtained. 

To illustrate more particularly what is meant, attention is called to tho instance, 
say, of Colorado and Montana. From tho State of Colorado one hundred and twenty- 
three samples were received for analysis, and from the State of Montana only one 
sanii>le. Any comparison, therefore, between the average results of the two States 
would be simply absurd. "While one hundred and twenty-three samples from Colo- 
rado, showing, as they do, fine possibilities of sugar-beet culture, indicate that tho 
State of Colorado is capable of producing beets of high quality, the single sample 
from Montana, whether it proved exceptionally poor or exceptionally fine, eould 
have been no criterion by which the capabilities of the State for beet sugar could be 
judged. 

In connection with the tentative results Avhich have been obtained by this kind of 
work should be considered tho characteristics of the soil and climate of each locality, 
and by putting the two together a fairly good idea can be formed of the possibilities 
ol' beet-sugar production. The reader should carefully bear the above explanation 
in mind, both in looking over the data in the tables and in reading the remarks 
thereon which follow. 

In Bulletin Xo. o9 (on page 8) in commenting on the results of the 
year's Avork, the following statements are made: 

i The general results of the work this year are somewhat discouraging as cnni- 
l>ared with previous years. Throughout a great part of the beet-growing region the 
summer was excessively dry, and large numbers of total failures were reported. 

In former reports attention has been called to the fact that the present method of 
experiment is unsatisfactory, and tho reasons therefor have been fully set forth. 
The farmers are so busy with other work that, as a rule, they are not able to give 
careful attention to the experimental details. They do not have the time to suitably 
prepare the soil for beet culture, nor do tbey give the growing beet proper attention. 
When tho time for harvesting comes they are usually engaged in other fiirm work, 
80 that the beets are not harvested at the right time, nor are data obtained by 
means of which any accurate estimate of the yield per acre can be determined. 
The analytical data, therefore, of such work are usually fragmentary and far from 
teaching any definite lesson in regard to the industry itself. In general, however, 
the data bear out those of previous years in showing the areas in this country where 
tho best beets can be grown. It is in these regions that the development of the 
industry must be expected. 

There is probably not a State or Territory in the Union which is not capable of 
growing a fair article of sugar beets. Even in the far South beets of fair sugar eon- 
tent have been jn-oduced, and with good tonnage; but when the competition of the 
world is to be met, with the iirieo of sugar as low as it is now, only those parts of 
the country where the soil and climate are especially favorable can be expected to 
compete successfully with the beet-sugar industry already firmly estal)lished in older 
countries. Tho sole valuable lesson, therefore, of tho promiscuous distribution of 
beet seed is in the fact that, as a ru.le, those regions best suited to the growth of the 
sugar beet will gradually be outlined, and intending investors led to the proper 
localities for the establishment of factories. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 21 

The gri>at success of tlie beet-sugar industry ou the Pacific coast leads to tlio con- 
clusion that if the northern part of the eastern and central portions of our country 
is to become the scat of a groat sugar industry, every possible advantage must bo 
taken of soil and location, in order to compete successiully vrith the beot lields of 
California, Washington, and Oregon. 

The experience of the past seasou, as will be seen from the data in 
the following pages, has served only to give additional point to tlie 
observations made in previous bulletins. 

The sugar-beet industry in this country has now reached a i)oint 
where it is incumbent upon the National Government to secure a com- 
plete and accurate agricultural survey of the country in respect of 
growing beets. The competition in sugar making is now so keen that 
only those localities where natural conditions are best will, in the end, 
be found sustaining the industry. If we depend upon costly experi- 
ment to delimit these localities, hundreds of thousands of dollars will 
be wasted in the attempt. At a comparatively small expense, the 
Department of Agriculture will be able to have made careful and 
accurate surveys, based upon experimental data, to point out the regions 
where the sugar industry is most likely to succeed. This, however, 
can not be done by the promiscuous kind of experimentation which the 
Department has been compelled heretofore to pursue. Up to this time 
a sufiicient scientific interest in the matter has not been aroused among 
the people to secure the kind of a survey which is necessary. Kow, 
however, the conditions have changed. The agricultural experiment 
stations in most of the States are thoroughly aroused in this matter. 
They are willing, with the cooperation of the Department, to undertake 
an agricultural survey of their respective localities. In addition to 
this, intelligent men, either in their capacity of private citizens or as 
representatives of boards of trade, or of business men's associations, 
are ready to supervise, in limited districts, series of experiments 
whicli will give satisfactory Jinswers to the questions which must l)e 
finswered before the sugar-beet industry is fully established. It will 
therefore be the object of ihe Department in subsequent work, espe- 
cially that of 1898, to secure in each locality interested in the matter, a 
few carefully conducted experiments. To this end it is urged that the 
experiment stations in the various States arrange with 25, 50, 100, or 
more representative farmers, who can be relied upon to do good work, 
to grow plats of beets in size of not less than half an acre. 

CLIMATOLOGY. 

It is evident that one of the first things to be considered, after the 
soil itself, in connection with the sugar-beet industry is the climate. 
The sugar beet is a plant very susceptible to climatic conditions. At 
the beginning of its growth the beet plant is peculiarly helpless. It 
can not lift, in passing from the germ to the new plant, the lightest 
clod. A rain which i)acks the surface of the soil immediately after 
germination will sometimes i>reveut the plant from reaching the light. 



22 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

After 'the plant is establisLed it requires a considerable quantity of 
water for its proper growth; this water must be supplied either by the 
rainfall of the locality, by irrigation, or by the subsoil. High tempera- 
tures extending over loug periods of time are peculiarly injurious to the 
storing of sugar in the tuber. While high temperatures may not dimin- 
ish the tonnage yielded by a field, nor apparently produce any injuri- 
ous effects, in so far as the external appearance of the mature i)lant is 
concerned, it will be found, as a rule, tliat plants grown under such condi- 
tions of temperature are less rich in sugar than others grown in a milder 
climate. Since the x>roduction of sugar in the leaf of a plant is a joint 
function of the chlorophyll cells and sunlight, it is found that the high 
northern latitudes, where the summer days are exceptionally long and 
the nights corres])ondingly short, tend to produce, other conditions 
being the same, a beet rich in sugar. The climatic conditions of this 
country are so diiferent from those of Europe as to render of little value 
the general conclusions which experience has drawn from the effect cff 
climate, in the beet-sugar producing countries of Europe, on the sugar 
content of the beet itself. Nevertheless, it is seen that in Europe the 
great centers of the beet- sugar industry are in regions far to the north, 
in fact, so far north as to make it impracticable ever to expect, in this 
country, to establivSh the centers of the industry on the same parallels 
of latitude. When it is considered for a moment that the great capi- 
tals of Europe — St. Petersburg, London, and Berlin — are situated 1,4{)0, 
870, and 940 miles, resxiectively, north of Washington, and yet in pros- 
perous agricultural communities the above statement does not create 
surprise. The vicissitudes of climatic conditions in northern Europe are 
also less marked than they are in the United States. Tliroughout 
the beet-growing area of Europe it is expected that tlie summers will 
be mild. They are not attended with many days of excessive heat. 
Spring comes early and i^ermanently ; the autumn comes slowly and late. 
In Erance and Belgium a severe frost is not expected in May, nor is it 
anticipated that ice of a considerable thickness will form in October. Tlie 
summer days in these localities are considerably longer thaii even in the 
more northern portions of our country, and at least an hour longer than 
in the centers of our greatest agricultural j)rosperity. We find, there- 
fore, so great a deviation in their climatic conditions that we can not 
apply with rigidity in this country the rules resi^ecting the climate 
deduced fiom the experience of European countries. With those rules 
n]»plicable, in this country, it would be easily demonstrable that the 
great center of the sugar-beet industry on this continent would be in 
Canada, and not in the United States. We have, therefore, had to 
dei>end so far largely on theory in the application of the principles of 
cliniatology in the culture of the sugar beet in the United States. The 
experimental data which have been at our disposal have been fragmen- 
tary, and, as has already been noted, have not been secured in the system- 
atic way desirable. The result is, even to-day, that many of our theories 



I . 



CORKECTIONS. 

For Plate I read Plate II. 
For Plate II read Plate I. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 23 

iu regard to climate are not yet substantiated by facts. In tbe ligbt of 
the data at band, iu tbe x>ublicatiou of previous reports it bas been 
assumed tbat tbe beet-sugar zone of tbe United States would be fouud 
located over an area of wbicb tbe soutbern limit would be marked by 
tbe mean i.sotberm of 71° F. for tbe summer montbs of June, July, and 
August. Wbile tbis temperature is considerably bigber tbau the mean 
temperature of tbe European beet-sugar areas for the same period of 
time, it bas always been evident tbat the beet area of tbe irnited States 
would necessarily be situated farther south than the like area of Europe. 
There are two reasons wbicb make tbis location imperative. In the 
first place, the more northern latitudes not only have late springs, but 
even after tbe spring is once established the Occurrence of a heavy frost 
is not unusual. In the second x)lace, these same latitudes have short 
autumns, and the occurrence of heavy frosts iu late October or early 
November are not at all unexpected. As a result of this, tbe season for 
the growth and harvest of the beet is too short if we should apply for 
the mean summer temperature the same rules as obtain iu Europe. It 
is evident, however, that the assumption of the mean isotherm of 71° 
for June, July, and August as the southern limit of the beet-sugar area 
is based upon so many independent conditions as to render it only use- 
ful as a working basis. 

I 

OTHER CONDITIONS. 

In connection with the temperature must be considered tbe rainfall, 
the contour and the nature of the soil, the possibility of irrigation, the 
abundance of subsoil moisture, the proximity of coal, limestone, and 
water, price of labor, facilities for distribution and transportation, and 
many other matters which are important in a discussion of the subject. 
It is further evident that the tracing of a single isothermal line and tbe 
arbitrary addition thereto of a certain width of land on either side do 
not give even the proper theoretical thermal basis for a careful study 
of climatic conditions. 

MAP OF THERMAL BELT. 

For this reason, the present report is supplied with a new map 
(Plate I), which bas been kindly ju'epared by the Weather Bureau at 
our request, in which the isothermal lines for June, July, and August 
have been traced with greater care and from data extending over a 
longer period of time.' 

The result of these new studies has been to change from former maps, 
in some cases slightly and iu some cases considefably, tbe position of 
the mean isotherm of 70° for tbe three summer months named. This 
change, as will be seen by consulting tbe new map, is most marked in 

'Data supplied, through tlie courtesy of Mr. Willis S. Moore, chief of the Weather 
Bureau, Ly Mr. A. .1. Henry. The map was drawn by the draftsmen of the Bureau] 
under Mr. Henry's direction. 



24 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the case of tlie State of New York, where in former maps the mean 
isotherm of 70^ was traced in a line running almost directly west from 
Albany to Buffalo. 

CHANGES IN THE NEW MAP. 

In the new map the influence of the Allegheny Mountains on tempera 
ture has been more carefully studied, and as a result there has been a 
considerable deflection of the isotherm of 70° to the south and south- 
west. The general trend of this isotherm from Albany is in a south- 
westerly direction until the Allegheny Mountains are crossed, wh.ere it 
turns in a westerly direction until it reaches its former location practi- 
cally in the neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. Tlie position of this 
isotherm from this point westward is so nearly the same as that of the 
other map as to require no particular mention. The State of New York, 
however, especially that portion of it lying between Albany and Buffalo, 
has peculiar thermal conditions, and these are shown in a special map 
of that State (PI. II). A considerable area of the State with a mean 
summer temperature Of 70° is found in the northwestern part in the 
neighborhood of Rochester, while between this area and the continuous 
isotherm of 70°, as traced upon the map, is a considerable space of 
territory where the mean summer temperature is considerably below 
70°. This area, however, corresponds more nearly to the beet areas of 
northern Europe than any other portions of our country. The tempera- 
ture and other climatic conditions in this area are more uniform ])y 
reason of the modifying eflect.s of the Great Lakes on the winds which 
blow from the west and northwest. The experimental data which have 
been collected show, therefore, that this area, although in many cases 
the mean summer temperature is below 70°, is peculiarly suited to the 
production of beets of a high sugar content. The comparatively mild 
springs and autumns also favor the planting and harvesting of the beet, 
so that the conditions of this area are as favorabh> to the production of 
beets of the proper grade as those areas lying immediately contiguous 
to the mean isotherm of 70°. 

TRIPLE ISOTHERMAL LINES. 

As a single isothermal line passing across the country affords a very 
narrow basis for study, it has been deemed advisable in the map here- 
with presented to take as the nucleus of the isothermic sugar zone not 
merely the isotherm of 70°, but that belt of territory, varying in width, 
M'hich is bounded by the isotherms of G9° upon the north and 71° ujion 
the south. The isotherm of 70° is found between these two, usually 
occupying the center of the belt, or nearly so, but sometimes approach- 
ing more nearly the one or the other. If, now, we add to the outside 
of the belt of irregular width, thus outlined by the two isotherms men- 
tioned, on the south a stri]) of country of vai-ying width and on the 
north an area bounded by the limit of dangerous frosts, this area will 



Map showing the probable Areas suited to Beet Culture. 







X 



w 



J 






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tVatsonnff'- WiW 


\\\ 


Sa/iiya.-: 


1 


^ 


ScottaMar^a 


% 




ffixejieme i 


^^#r;4^/M 


Lo.sAt*rJi 


"' \\ 









^ 



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PUtlWHED BV 1>R H W, WM.EV. 



Bhs rigurts^lneka of urumal rain/ali. 



. D. C . M«'t* 15. iSfS. 



a Doc Jf/i 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



25 



])ractic'ally include the whole of the United States which, from theo 
retical conditions of temperature, is best suited to the growth of sugar 
beets of a high saccharine content. 

BEET ZONE. 

The shaded portions of the map herewith presented indicate in a 
general way this area. No attempt has been made to extend this lat- 
eral shading west of the Missouri Eiver. The paucity of data for the 
western part of the country, in connection with the extreme vicissitudes 
of climate, renders of little value any extension of the thermal belt. 

ANNUAL RAINFALL. 

Connected with tliis study, the annual precipitation is of the utmost 
importance. Tliere has therefore been marked upon the map, in the 
area covered by this belt, the mean precipitation, in inches, from 50 to 
40, from 40 to 30, and so on down to the least recorded quantities 
of rainfall in the far western arid regions. 

The mean annual precipitation is, of course, of importance in deter- 
mining the relations of the different regions to the water supply and 
tlie need of irrigation. It is also important to know the mean preciju- 
tation for the months during which the chief growth of the crop and 
the harvest take i^lace, namely, for April, May, June, July, August, 
September, and October. The mean precipitation for each of these 
three months, as furnished by the Weather bureau for the localities 
mentioned, is indicated in the following tables: 

Monthly averages of rainfall, April-Octoher. 



Stations. 



MASSACHUSETTS, 

Amherst 

Boston 

Fall liiver 

Fitchbiirg 

Lowell 

New Bedford 

Spriugfield , 

Taunton 

Worcester 

CONNECTICUT. 

Hartford 

New Haven. 

New L'^udou 

Mlddletov.'n 

Sontliiugton 

Wallingford 

NEW Y01!K. 

Albany 

Buttalo 

Cooperstown 

(Jonverneur 

Ithaca 

New York City. .. 
NortU Salom..' 



Lati- 
tiulo. 



42 22 
42 21 

41 42 

42 36 
42 39 

41 39 

42 05 

41 54 

42 16 



41 45 
41 18 
41 21 
41 33 
41 35 
41 27 



42 40 
42 53 
42 42 
44 25 
42 27 

40 43 

41 20 



Longi-'Eleva- 
tilde, tion. 



72 32 
71 04 
71 09 
71 50 

71 17 

70 56 

72 35 

71 05 
71 49 



72 40 
72 56 
72 05 
72 39 
72 51 
72 49 



73 45 
78 53 

74 57 

75 35 

76 30 
73 58 
73 34 



Num- 
ber of 
years. 



235 
12 
259 
433 
104 
100 
70 
30 
473 



38 
10 
8 
37 
152 
73 



32 

587 
1, 300 
423 
375 
52 
301 



Apr. 



3.1 

3.8 
3.9 
2.9 
3.6 
3.6 
3.2 
3.6 
3.7 



3.0 
3.3 
3.7 
3.4 
3.1 
3.6 



2.8 
2.5 

2.6 
2.1 
2.2 
3.4 
3.4 



May, 



3.9 

3.7 
4.0 
3.8 
3.7 
3.8 



3.6 
3.9 
3.6 
3.8 
3.2 
4.2 



3.6 
3.4 
3.6 

2.7 
3.4 
4.0 
4.4 



Juno. 



3.7 
3.2 
3.1 
3.3 
3.3 
3.0 
3.8 
2.5 
3.1 



3.0 
3.1 
3.2 
3.5 
2.8 
3.6 



4.1 
3.5 
4.1 
2.7 
3.7 
3.8 
3.5 



July. 



4.5 
3.6 
3.5 
3.7 
3.8 
3.1 
4.5 
3.5 
3.8 



4.1 
4.5 
4.0 
4.3 
3.9 
4.2 



4.2 
3.2 
4.3 
2.8 
3.5 
4.0 
4.0 



4.4 
4.3 
4.4 
4.3 
4.4 
3.9 
4.5 
4.2 
4.5 



4.6 
4.6 
4.7 
4.8 
4.6 
5.0 



4.0 
3.2 
4.1 
2.3 
3.0 
4.7 
4.1 



Sept. 



3.4 
3.4 
3.3 
3.2 
3.3 
3.3 
3.4 
2.8 
3.5 



3.2 
3.8 
3.4 
3.0 
2.9 
3.6 



3.5 
3.3 
3.4 
3.1 
3.0 
3.4 
3.1 



3.9 
3.8 
4.5 
4.1 
3.8 
3.7 
4.2 
3.8 
4.4 



3.9 
3.8 
4.4 
4.1 
3.6 
4.2 



3.5 
3.6 
3.3 
3.4 
2.9 
3.6 
4.1 



Total. 



26.9 

25. 8 
26.7 
25.3 
2.5. 9 
24.4 
27.8 
23.7 
27.1 



25.4 
27.0 
27.0 
27. 5 
24.1 
28.4 



25. 7 
22.7 
25.4 
19.1 
21.7 
26.9 
26. 



26 



BEET-SUGAPt INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Monthly averages of rainfall, April-Ocioher — Coutinued. 



1 

Sections. i 


Lati- 
tude. 


Longi- 
tude. 


t 
Eleva- 
tion. 


Nnni- 
)er of 
-ears. 


Apr. 


May. 


June. 


July. 


Aug. 


Sept. 


Oct. 


Tfltal. 


NEW YORK— cont'd. 

Oswego 

Paleriuo 

Rochester 

Dtica ... 


( 

43 29 
43 20 
43 08 
43 06 

7,9 22 
40 23 1 
40 45 
40 30 
40 45 

40 14 
39 29 

41 23 

41 38 

42 07 
39 49 


< 
76 35 

76 22 

77 42 
75 13 

74 25 
74 57 
74 10 
74 27 
74 15 

74 45 

75 01 

75 09 
75 18 
80 05 
77 15 


335 

"494 
473 

13 
75 
13 

48 

141 

33 

97 

"i'ioo" 

086 
624 
320 
745 
32 

68 
639 
498 
415 

582 
812 
611 
1,030 
663 
579 
767 
850 

1,052 
863 
844 

1,040 
815 
753 
667 
586 

"sso 

1,063 
698 

800 
674 
648 
589 
505 
786 
845 
475 

"'sig' 

737 
670 
688 
452 
771 
600 
730 
528 
656 


26 
42 
27 
41 

23 
25 
52 
43 
28 
24 
25 

25 
25 
23 
24 
25 
54 
72 

26 
24 
12 
15 

41 
17 
69 
25 
39 
26 
23 
35 

11 
10 
14 
14 
13 
27 
16 
19 
13 
26 
28 
10 

16 
19 
22 
30 
17 
12 
11 
11 
13 
45 
15 
10 
25 
41 
11 
6 
22 
14 
17 


2.1 
2.3 
2.5 
2.7 

3.3 
3.3 
3.5 
3.7 
3.3 
3.7 
3.3 

3.2 
2.5 
2.5 
3.5 
3.0 
3.0 
3.4 

3.4 
2.5 
3.5 
3.7 

2.7 
3.2 
3.3 
3.1 
3.4 
2.2 
3.0 
3.0 

2.9 
3.4 
3.7 
3.4 
3.2 
3.6 
3.7 
3.5 
3.5 
3.6 
2.9 
2.9 

4.1 
4.0 
3.2 
3.0 
3.2 
2.9 
2.7 
3.5 
3.0 
2.8 
4.2 
3.0 
2.9 
3.2 
3.8 
2.2 
3.3 
2.7 
3.7 


2.8 
2.8 
3.3 
3.5 

3.1 
4.4 
4.0 
3.9 
3.2 
4.1 
3.9 

4.0 
3.4 
3.8 
4.0 
4.6 
3.5 
3.8 

3.8 
3.4 
4.6 
4.4 

3.5 
4.2 
3.9 
3.9 
3.9 
3.4 
4.2 
3.4 

4.5 
4.5 
4.4 
4.7 
3.9 
4.0 
4.8 
5.0 
4.2 
4.3 
3.8 
4.2 

4.8 
4.1 
4.0 
3.7 
4.1 
3.5 
3.1 
3.6 
3.7 
3.9 
5.0 
3.9 
4.0 
3.8 
4.2 
3.2 
4.0 
3.9 
4.6 


3.4 
3.3 
3.3 
4.3 

3.0 
3.8 
3.5 
3.9 
3.0 
3.9 
3.3 

4.1 
3.1 
3.9 
3.5 
4.4 
3.6 
3.8 

4.0 
3.8 
3.9 
4.0 

3.9 
3.5 
4.1 
4.0 
4.0 
3.4 
4.1 
3.8 

3.7 
4.1 
4.3 
4.0 
3.8 
4.5 
4.2 
4.2 
4.5 
3.9 
4.4 
4.6 

5.7 
4.1 
3.8 
3.7 
4.1 
4.0 
3.8 
4.2 
4.1 
4.3 
4.8 
4.0 
3.6 
3.7 
4.2 
3.2 
4.8 
3.9 
4.3 


3.1 1 
3.3 
3.0 
4.7 

3.5 
4.4 
4.4 
4.7 
4.9 
5.5 
4.3 

5.0 
4.6 
2.8 
3.4 
4.2 
4.0 
4.0 

4.7 
3.4 
3.4 
3.5 

3.4 
3.2 
4.4 
4.4 
4.0 
3.1 
3.4 
3.9 

2.7 
3.2 
2.4 
2.8 
4.9 
4.2 
3.7 
2.9 
2.2 
3.5 
4.1 
3.4 

3.4 
4.8 
3.3 
3.4 
3.2 
3.7 
2.9 
4.6 
3.0 
3.7 
3.9 
3.1 
3.6 
4.0 
2.7 
2.2 
3.6 
3.7 
4.5 


2.6 
2.7 
3.0 
3.5 

4.3 
4.9 
.5.0 
4.9 
5.2 
5.3 
4.9 

4.9 
3.8 
3.3 
3.6 
3.9 
3.4 
4.3 

4.0 
3.2 
3.3 
2.7 

3.1 
3.2 
3.9 
3.3 
3.9 
2.7 
2.7 
3.3 

2.7 
2.7 
2.7 
3.5 
3.4 
3.3 
3.5 
2.9 
2.7 
3.9 
3.3 
3.0 

3.0 
3.6 
3.4 
2,9 
3.6 
4.2 
3.0 
2.5 
2.8 
3.7 
3.4 
3.0 
2.9 
3.0 
2.1 
1.5 
3.2 
3.3 
4.5 


2.8 
3.2 
2.4 
3.5 

3.2 
4.3 
3.8 
3.8 
4.0 
4.0 
4.0 

3.1 
2.8 
4.0 
3.0 
3.6 
2.9 
3.5 

3,9 
2.8 
3.8 
3.7 

3.0 
2.6 
3.1 
3.2 
3.5 
2.4 
2.6 
3.1 

3.8 
3.9 
2.6 
3.6 
3.2 
3.1 
2.7 
3.1 
3.1 
4.1 
3.1 
2.5 

3.3 
4.1 
3.2 
3.0 
3.3 
4.1 
3.6 
3.8 
2.6 
3.8 
2.9 
2.8 
2.9 
3.5 
3.3 
1.7 
' 2.4 
j 3.2 
1 3.5 


3.3 
3.4 
2.9 
3.5 

3.2 
3.6 
3.6 
3.4 
3.7 
4.0 
3.4 

3.6 
.3.3 
4.1 
3.1 
3.3 
2.8 
3.2 

2.9 
2.3 
3.8 
2.5 

2.8 
2.6 
3.1 
2.2 
3.1 
2.4 
2.6 
2.1 

2.3 
1.9 
2.2 
2.0 
3.0 
2.8 
-2.2 
2.5 
2.5 
2.8 
2.2 
3.6 

2.5 
2.9 
2.9 
2.7 
2.1 
2.6 
2.7 
2.2 
2.7 
2.4 
2.8 
2.8 
2.3 
2.5 
1.7 
1.5 
3.2 
1.6 
2.5 


20.1 
21.0 
20.4 
25.7 


NEW JERSEY. 

Atlantic City 

Lauibertvillo 


23.6 

28.7 
27.8 


New Brunswick 


28.3 
27.9 




30.5 




27.1 


PENNSYLVANIA. 

Blooming Grove 


27.9 
23.5 


Erie 


24.4 
24.1 




40 16 S 76 53 
40 22 79 59 


27.0 




23.2 




39 53 
39 17 


75 10 

76 37 


26.0 


MARYLAND. 


26.7 


Cumberland 


39 39 1 78 45 
39 43 77 20 
39 24 77 24 


21.4 
26.3 




25.1 


OHIO. 


41 30 
39 58 

39 30 

40 11 

40 25 

41 40 
41 36 

40 04 

41 36 

41 09 

39 40 

40 U 

41 05 

39 40 

40 28 
40 45 
39 37 
39 51 

39 48 

40 48 

39 57 

40 12 

41 47 
41 52 
41 10 

40 56 

41 27 

40 18 

41 16 

42 15 

39 29 
41 40 

41 22 

40 42 

39 59 

40 54 

42 15 

41 32 
41 31 


81 42 
83 00 

81 26 
83 35 
80 41 

83 34 

84 07 

82 46 

85 00 
85 30 
85 03 
85 10 

85 07 
80 10 
80 54 

86 22 
85 23 

84 53 

85 18 
85 49 

89 45 

90 57 

88 08 

87 38 

89 49 

90 22 
90 00 
90 05 
89 21 

88 37 
88 24 
88 22 

88 48 

89 36 
88 08 

88 40 

89 05 

90 38 
. 88 32 


23.0 




22.5 




-25.8 


XN)rth Lewisburg 

Steubenville 


24.1 
25.8 
19. G 




22.6 


Westerville 


22.6 


INDIANA. 


22. r 


Columbia City 


23.7 
22.3 




24. ( 




2.5. -i 




25.5 




24.8 


Logansport . 


24.1 
22.7 


Kiclimond 


26.1 
23.8 


A\' abash 


24.2 


ILLINOIS. 


26.8 




27.6 




23. J 




22.4 




23.6 




25. ( 




21. f 




24.4 




21.5 




24.6 




27. ( 




22. ( 


Ottawa 


22.2 




23.'; 


I'hilo 

Puntiai- 

Kocklord 

Buck Island Arsenal . 
Saudwich..., 


22.(1 
15. S 
24.5 
22. S 
27. e 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



27 



Monilihi arcriujcs of rainfall, April-Octoher — Coiitiuued. 



Sections. 



ii.LiNOi.s — con t i 1 1 u c<l 

Springfield 

Syoiiniortj 

Wnts.ka 

^\'iUIleb:^go 

W.vaiiet 

WISCONSIN. 

Beloit , 

L:i Crosse 

Madison , 

Manitowoc 

Milwaukee 

MICHIGAN. 

Detroit 

Grand Haven 

Grand llapid.s 

Kalamazoo 

Lansing , 

Port Huron 



Lati- 
tude. 


Longi- 
tude. 


Eleva- 
tion. 


Num- 
ber of 
years. 


Apr. 


O ' 


O 1 








.■?9 48 


8i) 39 


644 


17 


3.7 


42 00 


88 42 


800 


15 


3.6 


40 48 


87 45 


640 


7 


3.7 


42 17 


89 12 


SCI 


18 


3.3 


41 30 


89 45 


750 


11 


3.8 


42 30 


89 11 


741 


30 


2.9 


43 49 


91 15 


057 


24 


2.4 


43 05 


89 24 


857 


28 


2.6 


44 07 


87 46 


593 


33 


2.4 


43 02 


87 54 


591 


53 


2.8 


42 20 


83 03 


580 


46 


2.6 


43 0.5 


80 18 


503 


25 


2.6 


42 57 


85 40 


604 


14 


2.8 


42 20 


85 38 


770 


20 


2.6 


42 44 


84 32 


836 


33 


2.4 


'43 00 


82 2G 


584 


22 


2.1 



May. 



5.0 
4.3 
5.6 
4.0 
4.6 



June. 



4.4 
5.0 
3.7 
4.1 
4.5 



July. 



.3.2 


4.0 


3.3 


4.5 


3.5 


4.5 


2.6 


3.6 


3.4 


3.6 


3.1 


3.8 


3.4 


3.8 


3.0 


4.2 


4.4 


4.5 


3.4 


4.0 


3.4 


3.5 



3.6 
3.0 
3.5 
4.2 



3.5 
4.0 
4.0 
3.5 
3.2 



3.6 
2.8 
2.4 
3.2 
3.1 
2.4 



2.4 
2.9 
2.4 

3.2 
4.7 



3.6 
3.2 
3.1 
3.2 
2.7 



2.6 

2.7 
2.4 
2.6 
2.7 
2.6 



Sept. 



3.2 
3.0 



3. G 
4.8 



3.4 
4.2 
3.1 
3.0 
3.0 



Oct. 



2.7 
3.1 
2.0 
2.3 
2.4 



2.5 
2.3 
2. G 
2.6 
2.2 



Total. 



3.0 


2.6 


3.6 


3.2 


3.4 


2.5 


3.2 


2.8 


2.9 


2.5 


2.6 


2.8 



24. 2 
25^5 
23.9 
23.9 
29.0 



23.1 
23.9 
23.4 
20.9 
21.1 



21.3 
22.1 
21.3 
23.3 
21.0 
19.4 



STUDY OF PARTICULAR LOCALI'I'IES. 



North Cakolina and "\Ye.st Yirginia. 

The elevated areas of tlie mountain regions of jSTorth Carolina and 
West Virginia afford conditions of teinperature and precipitation wliicdi 
are favorable to the growth of sugar beets. The rough and nioun- 
tainons character of this portion of the country, however, presents 
mechanical difliculties in cultivation of sufficient magnitude to warrant 
the statement that the beet industry on a large scale is not likely to be 
established within it. A portion of the region specified has a mean 
annual rainfall of more than 50 inches, while the most of it is supplied 
with a rainfall of 4G inches. It is not probable, on account of the con- 
sideration mentioned above, that the beet-sugar industry, on a scale 
of any magnitude, will ever be established in the regions specified. 

Eastern- Shore of Maryland. 

Tlie isotherm of 71° enters Maryland at a point about the center 
of the Atlantic coast of the eastern shore, and runs north by north- 
east almost to roughkeepsie, iST. Y. It is evident, therefore, that 
the temperature conditions of this region are similar to those on or 
south of the isotherm of 71° in other parts of the country, although 
here in this area the region lies to the west of this isotherm. Judged 
by this factor, and also by the mean annual rainfall, which is 40 inches 
for this locality, the cultivation of the sugar beet might be success- 
fully inaugurated along the Atlantic coast of the eastern shore; in fact, 
l)ractically over the whole of the southern portion of the eastern shore 
of Maryland. The character of the soil in this locality is mostly sandj^ 
and its natural fertility has been considerably diminished by long years 



'28 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of cultivation. There is no reason to doubt, lioweser, the fact that 
witli proper fertilization and cultivation the requisite degree of fertility 
for the production of sugar beets could be secured. The general tend- 
ency in this region is in the direction of a too high temperature and 
too few hours of sunshine. The above observations apply also to 
Accoiuac County, Va. 

Delawakk. 

The observations which have been made in regard to the eastern 
shore of Maryland also apply to the eastern region of Delaware. On 
account of the ravages of the "yellows" among the peach orchards of 
southern Delaware, it might be worth while for the agricultural ex])eri- 
ment station to mahe a careful survey of the southeastern portion of 
the State with reference to the possibility of ])roducing sugar beets of 
the requisite degree of saccharine strength. The surface of the soil is 
generally level; a good deal of it is of a sandy nature, and so far as 
its ])hysical properties are concerned, it may be regarded as favorable 
to beet growth. 

New Jersey. 

The mean isotherm of 71° degrees passes northward almost parallel 
to the Atlantic coast of New Jersey, and at varying distances there- 
from. The part of New Jersey lying between this isotherm and the 
seacoast is mostly composed of sandy soils, reasonably level. Tliere 
are no mechanical difliculties of any magnitude connected with the 
culture of the beet, and the i^roblem of fertilization of the soil is one 
which is easily solved. The same observations in regard to possibilities 
of beet culture may be made of this region of New Jersey as have 
been made in respect of Maryland and Delaware. This general obser- 
vation relating to the whole may be added: 

We have in this area a mean snmnu^r temperature of 71°. In no 
place does it reach the isotherm of 70°. The whole region may there- 
fore be regarded as representing that of a maximum temperature com- 
patil)le Avith beet culture. It may be further said that the culture of 
the beet should only be pushed south and bej'ond the isotherm of 71°, 
where peculiar natural advantages, independent of thermal factors, are 
afforded. These natural advantages consist of exceptionally fertile 
soil, favorable contour of the surface, cheapness of fuel, facilities for 
transportation, etc. A large portion of the region which has been 
mentioned is devoted to truck farming for the markets of large (jities, 
and it is doubtful if this remunerative form of agriculture could be 
replaced successfully^ with sugar-beet culture in comi)etition with more 
northern localities, where richer beets can be produced. Nevertlieless, 
the possible production of fairly good beets in the region indicated 
must be admitted from the point of view of temperature and preciin- 
tation alone. 



BEET-SUGAK INDUHTRY IN THE UNITED yTxVIEB. 29 

Connecticut. 

It will be observed that, both in respect of precipitation and tem- 
perature, the whole of Connecticut may be regarded as lying in the 
beet belt. From theoretical considerations, therefore, it could be pre- 
dicted that beets grown in Connecticut would show a satisfactory 
content of sugar and possess a high i^urity. So favorable are the theo- 
retical conditions in that locality that it would be advisable for tlie 
agricultural experiment stations of the State to make a systematic 
agricultural survey of the ])ossibilities of growing beets. The valley 
of the Connecticut Eiver affords a fertile Held of experiment where 
the mechanical conditions of culture and the natural conditions of the 
soil are factors which favor success. There are large areas of the State, 
however, so broken in contour as to render tlie possibilities of beet cul- 
ture unpromising, but wherever large bodies of fairly level land with 
good fertility can be found it is fair to presume that the culture of the 
sugar beet would be attended with success. Conditions which obtain 
in Connecticut are also found in the State of Ehode Island, althougli a 
portion of that State lies north of the isotherm of Gd'^. As will be 
seen farther along, however, in discussing the conditions of growth in 
New York, there are many localities in the United States north of the 
isotherm of 09'^ where beets flourish; in fact, it nmy be said that the 
possibilities of growing beets north of the isotherm of 69°, where rea- 
sonably mild autumns can be exx)ected, are much better than south of 
the isotherm of 71°. 

Massacuusktts. 

The valley of the Connecticut, in the State of Massachusetts, loubt- 
less aflbrds as line facilities for beet (udture as in the State of Con- 
necticut. The greater part of the State lies north of the isotherm of 
6*3^. As in the case of Connecticut, there are doubtless many regions 
in this State north of the isotherm of 69° where, owing to the mild 
autumns, the sugar beet may be expected to grow satisfactorily for 
sugar-making purposes. A large ixirt of the State is uulitted, by rea- 
son of its contour and the nature of the soil, for the culture of beets, 
but at least the Connecticut Valley and similar stretches of soil might 
be used to good advantage for this purpose. 

New Hampsiiiue and Vermont. 

These States, lying north of the isotherm of 69°, will have to contend, 
in the growth of beets with the shorter growing season and less heac 
for the three months of June, July, and August for forcing the beets to 
maturity. Nevertheless, it is doubtless true that for a distance of JOG 
miles, or even more, north of the isotherm of 69° beet culture could be 
practiced with success on account of the longer summer days. Samples 
of beets received from Vermont and analyzed in this laboratory show 



30 BEET-8UGAK INDUSTRY IN THl*: UNITED bTATES. 

fiivorable contents of sugar, and liigli purities. Those grown also at 
tlio experiment station ol" Vermont, as will be seen i'artlier on, atKord 
encouraging data. The thing to be I'eared in these localities is not 
inability to grow a beet rich in sugar, but the possibility of being able 
to harvest and secure it properlj' before the advent of winter. These 
areas do not enjoy the iMiniunity from sudden changes of tem})eiature, 
due to the lake breezes, which is characteristic of the great i)lain of the 
tState of New York between Albany and Buffalo. 

New Yoi?K. 

In this State we have a remarkable variety of therial conditions. 
The mean isotherms of (iO'^ and 70'^ pass in a southwesterly direction 
from Albany into the State of Pennsylvania, following, in general, the 
trend of the ranges of the Allegheny Mountains. The inilueuce of 
these high altitudes is seen in forcing these isotherms to the south. 
The southeastern portion of the State of New York lies, therefore, 
within the belt of isotherms peculiarly favorable to beet culture, with 
the exception of the valley of the Hudson from a point a few unles 
above Poughkeepsie to the mouth of the river. This valley, including 
the city of New York, has a higher temperature than that deemed 
most suitable to beet culture. As this valley is, however, uulitted 
by reason of its contour to the culture of beets, the above fact is of 
little importance. Passing to the west of Alban}^, the mean summer 
temperatures for the three months of June, July, and August are con- 
siderably below the standards which have been mentioned until the 
region immediately east of Itochester is reached, where again we find 
a mean isotherm of 70'^, and about Palmyra of almost Tl'^. South- 
west of this the mean temperatures of the summer are again below GO'^. 
Nevertheless, a fairly satisfactory agricultural survey of this region 
has shown that it is capable of i)roduciug beets of high quality; and 
the effects of the lake breezes upon the climate have doubtless much 
to do with this condition. For instance, in regions in this area where 
the mean summer temperature is below 09° the autumns are far more 
ndld than in the similar regions in Minnesota, so that the months of 
October and November can both be relied upon with great certainty 
for securing the harvest of the beets. As has been before mentioned, 
we have in this region a nearer approach to the conditions of beet 
growing in northern Europe than in any other place in the United 
States. This whole region, therefore, must be considered and included 
in the area of our country where the theoretical conditions, and where 
the actual conditions, of temperature and precipitation favor the pro- 
duction of a beet of high saccharine (jontent. If we should leave out 
of the calculation the southern deflection of the isotherms of G!>° and 
70°, due to the Ajjpalachian system, and connect directly the area, in the 
neighborhood of llochester, where these temperatures obtain, with 
Albany, neglecting the intermediate temperatures, we should Imve the 
isotherms occupying practically the same position in this new map that 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 31 

they were made to occu])y iu the former maps furiiislied by the Signal 
OiTice for this l)ei)artment. In the absence of definite information on 
the subject, it is fair to presume tliat the former maps were made in 
this way, and this accounts for the discrepancy in the i)Ositiou of the 
isotherm of 70° found in these maps and in the one now presented. 
Abundant experimental data go to show that the total area of the 
Siate of New York south of Saratoga is well suited to the growth of 
beets, wherever the physical conditions of contour are favorable and the 
soil suitable. The map of the beet area has therefore been extended 
so as to include this region in the beet belt. 

Pennsylvania. 

A large portion of the State of Pennsylvania, from the thermal point 
of view alone, is well suited to the growth of beets. The position occu- 
pied by the belt of territory included between the isotherms of GO'^ and 
71'^, however, in the State of Pennsylvania indicates an area which, for 
physical reasons, is mostly unsuited to beet culture, as it covers prin- 
cipally the mountainous region of that State. The northwestern part 
of tlie State, especially the portion bordering on Lake Erie, has the 
same favorable conditions for beet culture as are found iu the great 
valley of the State of JSTew York; and the i)rincipal development of the 
industr}^ in that State, for the physical reasons mentioned above, must 
be looked for in that section. South of the isotherm of 71'^ there may be 
favorable regions in the southern and eastern portions of the State, but 
the altitude lias pushed the isotherms too far south to look for the best 
results in the southwestern part of the State, on account of the shorter 
days due to the more southern latitude. Where conditions of contour 
and fertility of soil ara favorable, the whole portion of Pennsylvania 
north and west of the isotherm of 71° may be regarded as favorable to 
beet culture. The precipitation immediately west of tlie Alleglieuy 
Mountains is not so great as on the east, but there is an area in the 
extreme northwestern part of the State where the mean average pre- 
cipitation is nearly the same as that east of the mountains, namely, 
between 40 and 50 inches. 

Ohio. 

The northeastern and northern parts of Ohio are well situated for 
beet culture. In general, the contour of the laud is favorable, being 
reasonably level, and the soil is fairly fertile. The conditions in these 
localities are fairly comparable with those in the State of jSTew York, 
except that the mean temperature is higher, the mean isotherm of 70° 
running iu a northwesterly direction across the northern i)art of Ohio 
and entering the lake near Sandusky. It is probable also that to a 
considerable distance south of the isotherm of 71°, good beets can be 
grown, but where so large an area is found with more favoring climatic 
conditions, it is not well to j)ush the industry too far south until more 
favorable localities are fully exploited. 



32 BEET-WUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Michigan. 

A large part of the southern x)eniusuhi of Michigan is directly in the 
heart of the beet belt. The contour of the soil is also favorable, being 
reat-onably level, with an av^eragc fertility, and the data which have 
been secured in actual experiments in those regions are of the most 
encouraging kind. There seems to be no doubt of the fact that this 
locality is among the best in the United Slates for beet culture, and the 
modifying influence of the lake on the autumnal climate must not be 
lost sight of. 

Indiana. 

The northern counties of Indiana, especially the northwestern, are 
situated in the beet area, and it is probable that the culture of the beet 
may be extended southward, as in the case of Ohio, as far as Fort 
Wayne and Lafayette, although it is not advisable for intending 
investors to locate in the more southern areas until the more north- 
ern have been fully exploited. The agricultural survey of the northern 
part of the State, undertaken by the experiment station at Lafayette, 
in conjunction with the work of this Department, Avill indicate linally 
with more accuracy than a mere theoretical map the most favorable 
conditions of culture. Great interest has been manifested in Indiana 
in the extreme southwestern portion, near Evansville, in the culture 
of the beet, and, as will be seen in the following data, many samples 
have been secured from that portion of the State. In many resi)ects 
this region is most favorable to beet culture, ijarticularly on account of 
the fticilities for transportation, cheapness of fuel, and the fertility of 
the soil. The mean summer temperature, however, is so high as to 
cause grave doubts concerning the future success of beet growth in 
that locality. 

The soil in northern Indiana is much like that of Michigan — sandy, 
reasonably level, and fairly fertile — and there is reason to believe that 
an industry in'ohtable both to the farmer and manufacturer may grow 
u]) in that part of the country. 

Illinois. 

The northern part of Illinois is in the beet-sugar belt, and the con- 
ditions in respect ol' contour of the surface and fertility of the soil, 
facilities and cheapness of transportation, etc., are excellent for the 
sugar-beet industry. The character of the soil in northern Illinois, 
however, is (piite difterent from that of northern Indiana and the 
southern peninsula of Michigan. It is mostly a. prairie soil, dark and 
underlaid with clay, so that the i)hysical conditions of culture are 
probably not so favorable as in the other sections just named. 

Wisconsin. 

Southern Wisconsin occupies a most fiivoralde position for beet 
culture, and the data which have been obtained from that State by 
the agricultural experiment station at Madison, in conjunction with the 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IIS THE UNITED STATES. 33 

work of this Department, are favorable, and show great possibilities of 
success for tlie industry in that region. We begin to notice here the 
effects of the southwestern breezes in forcing northward the isotherms 
of 70° and 69°, and these hot breezes cut off from the culture of the 
beet large areas where soil and other conditions are extremely favor- 
able. The same remark should be applied to the belt of country imme- 
diately south of the isotherm of 71° that has heretofore been made, 
namely, that there are doubtless many sections where the successful 
culture of the beet may be secured. This is dependent upon local 
conditions which must be determined by careful agricultural surveys 
in the future. 

Minnesota. 

The deflection in a northwesterly direction of the isotherms of 70° 
and 69° includes in the sugar-beet area a large x>ortion of the State of 
Minnesota, especially the southeastern portion. Here there is no 
question of the growth of the crop and the i)roduction of beets of high 
saccharine qualities. The great point to be feared in this locality is 
the early approach of winter, and this is true of all the cis-montane 
western regions. We find here a drop in the raiufall from an annual 
average of 30 to 40 inches to one of from 20 to 30 inches. We there- 
fore meet here a greater possibility of suffering from a dry season 
than in the regions of the East. As a rule, however, the quantity of 
rainfall during the growing season is sufficient for the production of a 
good crop. 

Iowa. 

A remarkable deflection of the isotherms of 69° and 70° is noticed 
in passing from Minnesota to Iowa. Not only are these isotherms 
deflected toward the south, but they actually take a backward course 
toward the east, so that their direction for a considerable distance is 
east of south. This brings the theoretical beet belt, so far as tempera- 
ture is concerned, almost through the center of the State of Iowa. 
The well-known fertility of the soil of this State, with the generally 
level character of the surface, shows that the agricultural possibilities 
for the growth of sugar beets are great. In the greater part of the 
State the rainfall reaches 30 inches per annum, but in the northwestern 
part the approach to the arid region is shown by a dropping off" of the 
average rainfall, so that it is between 20 and 30 inches. Nevertheless, 
experience shows that, as a rule, a sufficient rainfall is provided in all 
parts of the State for the growth of ordinary agricultural crops. The 
isotherms of 69° and 70°, after passing partly across the State of Iowa, 
take a sudden turn toward the north and west and pass out of the State 
again into Minnesota, where they reach a more northern latitude than 
Minneapolis. With the exception of the southwestern «ount.ip^ of 
Iowa it is fair to presume that almost the whole of the area of trie 
State, in so far as thermal conditions and rainfall are concerned^ is 
H. Doc. 396 3 



34 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

suited to the growth of beets. Of course, in this matter, it should be 
remembered, that local conditions of soil, transportation, fuel supply, 
and other factors must be taken into consideration. Iowa also occupies 
a position where there is no tempering influence of the northwestern 
winds, so that it begins to feel the rigors of the winter at an earlier 
date than is experienced on the same isotherms east of the Great Lakes. 

North and South Dakota. 

The conditions which prevail in Korth and South Dakota are some- 
what unique. From the highest position attained in Minnesota, at the 
border line between that State and North and South Dakota, the iso- 
therm of 69° turns again east and soutli and suffers a considerable 
deflection, due doubtless to the lower altitude of the Eed River Yalley. 
Passing, however, into Dakota the isotherms are rapidly pushed north- 
ward by reason of the hot southwest winds which are so often experi- 
enced in the summer time in those localities. For these reasons the 
isotherm of G9^ reaches almost as far north as Bismarck, and the iso- 
therm of 70° is only a few miles south of it. From this point the 
isotherms of 09° and 70° run almost due south from iSTorth Dakota 
entirely across the State of South Dakota and into Nebraska. The 
most favorable beet- sugar belt, in so far as the temperature alone jis 
concerned, would be the area bounded by the isotherms of 71 and' 69 
degrees, occupying a belt of considerable breadth running north and 
south through South Dakota into North Dakota, and southeast through 
North Dakota back into South Dakota. The depression due to the 
Missouri River causes an area of higher temperature to extend in a 
northwesterly direction into South Dakota. This area, although per- 
haps not so favorable to beet growth as the other, is still situated in a 
fertile country, and doubtless has many advantages for growing beets 
not possessed by the higher lauds to the east and west of it. There is 
no question of the ability of both the regions within the area specified 
to grow beets of line saccharine strength. Abundant experimental 
data have been secured from both the States to substantiate this state- 
ment. Caution, however, must again be given in regard to the sudden 
advent of the winters, especially in North Dakota, where sometimes in 
October, and usually in November, temjjeratures approaching zero or 
even below zero, degrees Fahrenheit, are observed. These sudden falls 
of temperature would prove disastrous to the beet harvests, and hence 
tend to restrict to a certain degree the spread of the industry in that 
country. Again, attention should be called to the fact that the whole 
of the areas in the two Dakotas, where the thermal conditions are 
best suited to beet culture, has an average annual rainfall of only 
from 15 to 20 inches. The danger of drought and the possible shortage 
or loss of the crop from that source are therefore increased, and we begin 
to approacli an area where artificial irrigation must be looked to in 
many seasons. Probably, however, in the majority of seasons the rain- 
fall in this vicinity would be sufficient to secure a good crop. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 35 

Nebraska. 

A study of the position of the isotherms shows that the best part of 
the State of Nebraska, both as respects soil and rainfall, has an average 
temperature of more than 71° during the summer months. The most 
favorable conditions of temperature are found almost in the center of 
the State over an area of somewhat irregular shape, and occupying a 
position where the extreme distance separating the isotherms of 71° 
and 69° is the greatest of any in the country. In Nebraska the two 
isotherms of C9° and 70° run almost parallel, but the isotherm of 71° 
runs first in a southeasterly direction, then almost south, and finally 
almost due west, forming a stomach-shaped area occupying a portion 
of Dakota and the central portion of Nebraska. The agricultural and 
analytical data which have been obtained in Nebraska are very exten- 
sive, and it will be observed that both of the sugar factories which have 
been established in that State are south of the limit of 71°. It has been 
observed also, by those who have had access to the analytical data of 
these two factories, that the saccharine contents of the beets which have 
been delivered to them have not been equal to those of beets grown in 
more favorable localities in the United States. On the other hand, the 
insufficiency of the rainfall in the central and western portions of the 
State renders less certain the growth of sugar beets, and tends to crowd 
the sugar factories and the sugar industry into the wetter and more 
fertile jiortions, in spite of the fact that the temperature is higher. 

The Arid Regions. 

It will now be necessary to trace the theoretical sugar-beet belt, so 
far as thermal conditions are concerned, by States through the arid 
regions. There is so little of the area embraced in this belt which is 
subject to irrigation, that it is understood at once that the possible beet- 
sugar industry of that region must be confined to the most favorable 
localities. It is interesting to see, however, how the elevation produced 
by the Kocky Mountain range deflects the isotherms which have been 
traced in a generally westerly direction uj) to this point so far to the 
south. Passing from Nebraska, the isotherm of 70° runs in a south- 
westerly direction to a point southwest of Denver, whence it turns in a 
southeasterly direction to New Mexico, thence almost due south to near 
the Mexican border. Being deflected to the west, it ascends on the 
other side of the Eocky Mountain range in a general northerly and 
westerly direction, passing in a northwesterly direction through Utah, 
thence turning west and south in Nevada, being deflected again to the 
south by the Sierra Nevada range of mountains, which it crosses, pass- 
ing from Nevada into California, whence it passes northward again 
along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains until it comes 
near the coast line in the northern part of California. Thence the 
isotherm of 70° is deflected southward, almost parallel with the coast 
line, until it passes into lower California. It is seen that all the coast 



36 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

valleys of California are included in the thermal belt most favorable to 
beet culture. The greater part of the area included in the thermal 
belt which has just been traced across the arid region is totally un suited, 
on account of the mountainous and rough region of the surface, for 
agricultural uses. It is therefore evident that it is only in isolated 
places, where the surface of the land is smooth and irrigation can be 
practiced, that beet culture can be established. In connection with the 
thermal belt, the map shows that the mean average rainfall in many 
cases does not exceed 5 inches per annum. 

In addition to the continuous belt thus marked out, there are some 
areas of varying temperature which demand attention, as, for instance, 
the elliptical area bounded by the isotherm of 70° in Idaho, of which 
Boise City is the center, and another area bound 1 by the isotherm of 
70°, within which an isotherm of 71° is found, in the State of Washing- 
ton. There is also one locality in Montana, on the Yellowstone River, 
where the average summer temperature is 71°. 

In so far as thermal conditions are concerned, vast areas of the arid 
regions could be devoted to beet culture if the other conditions of cul- 
ture were favorable. The differences of elevation of the i)lateaus cause 
numerous sudden changes of temperature, so that there are doubtless 
many localities not marked on the map where the mean summer tem- 
perature is almost identical with that which has been already mapped 
out. By reason of the meagerness of data, experimental and other- 
wise, relating to this whole region west of the Missouri Eiver, the 
shading showing the probable extension of the beet area beyond the 
borders of the basic thermal belt has been omitted. The general dis- 
cussion of this thermal belt, accompanied as it is by the chart of pre- 
cipitation, is not necessary at this point. In general, in connection 
with this study, the remarks which are made in Bulletin No. 27, on 
page 169, and repeated in Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, may be recalled 
with profit : 

The mistake must not be made of supposing that all tlio region included within 
the boundaries of this zono is suitable for beet culture. Rivers, hills, and moun- 
tains occupy a large portion of it, and much of the rest would be excluded for vari- 
ous reasons. In the western portion, perhaps all but a small part of it would be 
excluded by mountains and drought. Begiuuing at a point midway between the one 
hundredth and one hundredth and first meridian, aa indicated by the dotted line, 
beets could be grown only in exceptional places without irrigation. On the Pacific 
coast only that portion of the zone lying near the ocean will be found suitable for 
beet culture. 

On the other hand, there are many localities lying outside the indicated belt, both 
north and south, where doubtless the sugar beet will be found to thrive. The map, 
therefore, must bo taken to indicate only in a general way those localities at or near 
which we should expect .success to attend the growth of sugar beets in the most 
favorable conditions other than temperature alone. 

The present map (Plate 1) gives in greater detail than ever before 
the boundaries of this thermal belt, by reason of the fact that the 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 37 

observations of tlie \ leather Bureau have been more numerous, and 
have been compiled in a more systematic manner. It would be idle to 
assert that subsequent observations of the Weather Bureau may not 
change in a marked degree the boundaries of the belt which has been 
mapped. It is also quite true that the agricultural surveys which will 
be conducted by the several States will locate definitely, beyond the 
limits already outlined, the areas where successful beet culture will be 
practiced. I may venture the prediction, however, that these areas 
will be contiguous to the zone which is already mapped out, and that 
the future beet-sugar industry of the United States, when it shall have 
reached a magnitude sufQcient to supply to our people a large part of 
the sugar they consume, will be located almost entirely within the areas 
which have thus been traced. 

DATA FROM DIFFERENT STATES. 

Two methods of collecting the data from States have been pursued. 
In the first place, those receiving seeds directly from the Department 
of Agriculture were supplied with Farmers' Bulletin No. 52, giving 
instructions for preparing the soil, and planting and cultivating the 
beets. Each person was also supplied with a series of blanks for the 
purpose of obtaining cultural and climatic data, and for securing as 
great accuracy as possible in the reports which were made. The data 
blanks used are represented in the following forms: 

United States Department of Agriculture. 

Washington, D. C, August 15, 1897. 

DiEECTlONS FOR TAKING SAMPLES OF SUGAR BEETS FOR ANALYSIS. 

Prepared by H. W. WiLEY, Chief of Division of Chemistry. 

When the beets appear to be mature (September 15 to November 15, according to 
latitude and time of planting) and before any second growth can take place, select 
an average row or rows, and gather every plant along a distance which should vary 
as follows, according to the width between rows : 



From rows 16 inches apart, length 75 

feet. 
From rows 18 inches apart, length 66 

feet. 
From rows 20 inches apart, length 59 

feet. 



From rows 22 inches apart, length 54^ 

feet. 
From rows 24 inches apart, length 50 

feet. 
From rows 28 inches apart, length 42Tpff 

feet. 



The beets growing in the row, of the length above mentioned, are counted. The 
tops are removed, leaving about an inch of the stems, the beets carefully washed 
free of all dirt and wiped with a towel. Where the row is not long enough to meet 
the conditions, take enough from the adjacent row or rows to make up the required 
length. Eows of average excellence must be selected; avoid the best or poorest. 
Throw the beets promiscuously in a pile and divide the pile into two parts. This 
subdivision, of one-half each time, is continued until there are about ten beets in a 
pile. From these ten select two of medium size. Be careful not to select the largest 
or smallest. 



38 



BEET -SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



From all of the rest of the beets, save these two, the necks are removed with a sharp 
knife at the point indicated by the dotted line in the figure (fig. 1). The beets, 
including the two saved as a sample, are then weighed. 

The nnmher of beets 
hnrvested multiplied 
by 435.6 will give the 
total number per acre. 
The total weight of 
beets harvested multi- 
plied by 435.6 will give 
the yield per acre. 

Wrap the two sam- 
ple beets carefully in 
soft paper, and write 
your name legibly 
thereon. The beets 
must be jierfectly dry. 
Fill out the blank de- 
scribing the beets, in- 
close it in the envelope, 
and sew it up in the 
bag with th(i beets. 
Attach the inclosed 
shipi>ing tag to the 
bag and send the pack- 
age by mail. 

No beets \\ ill be ana- 
lyzed which are not 
8am])led as described 
above and properly 
identified. 

Miscellaneous anal- 
yses of samples with- 
out accurate descrip- 
tion are of no value. 

Blanks are sent to 
each one for two sets 
of samples. From two 
to four weeks should 
elapse between the 
times of sending the 
two sets of samples. 

If additional analy- 
ses be desired, other blanks will be 8ent on application, but not more than four 
analyses can be made for any one person, except in special cases. 
A model, showing how blanks should be filled out, is inclosed. 




Fia. 1. — Illustration for removal of top of beet. 



[Model B.] 
V. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGUICULTURE. 
Model fob Describing Sample of Sugar I?eets. 
Prepared by H. "\V. Wiley, Chief of Divisiou of Cliciiiistry. 
Variety: Klein wan zlebener. 
Date planted : May 3, 1897. 
Date thinned: June 3, 1897. 
Date harvested : November 5, 1897. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



39 



Character of soil : Black prairie loam ; in cultivation for 20 years, chiefly in corn ; 
level, tile-drained; last crop, oats; no fertilizer was used; barnyard manure applied 
in 1895. 

Character of cultivation (dates, implements, etc.): Plowed November, 1896, 8 
inches deep, snbsoiled 6 inches; harrowed with disk harrow May 1, 1897; rolled; 
seed planted with hand drill one-half inch deep; plants up May 16; stand excellent; 
hoed by hand May 22; plowed with horse hoe May 28 and June 8, 16, 24, July 3, 10, 
and 17. 

Length of row harvested (feet) : 66. 

Width between rows (inches) : 18. 

Number of beets harvested : 88. 

Total weight of beets, less necks and tops (pounds) : 88. 

Weather for each month: May, dry; June, copious rains; July, fine growing 
weather; August, hot and dry; September, dry until the 24th, when a heavy rain 
fell. 

State: Iowa. 

Post-cfffice : Hanover, Buena Vista County. 

Date : November 17, 1897. 

Name : Robert Simpson. 

Note. — Beets will not be analyzed unless accompanied with description aa above. 

It is evideut that in promiscuous experimentation of tliis kind, even 
when directions are closely followed, and when all the operations are 
conducted in accordance with the directions in Farmers' Bulletin No. 
52, and the procedure described in the blanks for taking samples faith- 
fully followed, the data are still of an unsatisfactory nature. For 
instance, when a plot of beets has been harvested and quartered until 
the two beets required for a sample have been selected in accordance 
with directions, we still have an uncertainty prevailing as to whether 
the two beets correctly represent the whole lot. In fact, it is well 
known that the variations in the character of beets grown side by side 
are very great, far more so than is the case with sugar canes. As an 
illustration of this, the following analyses, giving the weight and sugar 
content of every beet grown in a row at the experiment station of 
Kentucky, is sufficient evidence : 





Ana 


lyses of all the beets hi a 


roiv, Kentucky station. 




Serial 


Weight 

after 
topping. 


Sucrose 


Serial 


Weight 

after 
topping. 


Sucrose 


Serial 


Weight 

after 
topping. 


Sucrose 


No. 


in beets. 


No. 


in beets. 


No. 


In beets. 




Ounces. 


Per cent. 




Ounces. 


Per cent. 




Ounces. 


Per cent. 


1985 


27 


7.7 


2009 


8 


8.2 


2033 


10 


8.1 


1986 


25 


9.9 


2010 


4 


9.3 


2034 


10 


7.2 


1987 


24 


10.4 


2011 


1 


9.9 


2035 


124 


9.1 


1988 


24 


10.6 


2012 


1 


10.5 


2036 


11 


9.0 


1989 


20 


8.6 


2013 


2 


9.6 


2037 


U 


9.8 


1990 


20 


7.9 


2014 


3i 


10.9 


2038 


9 


8.8 


1991 


28 


6.7 


2015 


3i 


9.9 


2039 


9 


7.4 


1992 


31 


9.0 • 


2016 


34" 


8.2 


2040 


8 


9.7 


1993 


18 


10.4 


2017 


27 


7.0 


2041 


11 


8.9 


1994 


24 


9.0 


2018 


20 


9.3 


2042 


8 


9.3 


1995 


53 


4.8 


2019 


8 


11.9 


2043 


9 


0.9 


1996 


19 


8.2 


2020 


16 


6.2 


2044 


8 


10.4 


1997 


33 


2.6 


2021 


22 


8.0 


2045 


7 


9.4 


1998 


16 


9.9 


2022 


15 


6.8 


2046 


5 


8.2 


1999 


2 


10.7 


2023 


20 


9.8 


2047 


4 


8.4 


2000 


2 


8.8 


2024 


26 


9.0 


2048 


5 


8.6 


2001 


2 


9.0 


2025 


16 


9.4 


2049 


4 


8.7 


2002 


13 


8.9 


2026 


18 


9.7 


2050 


4 


10.5 


2003 


8 


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18 


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4 


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3 


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3 


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5 


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2032 


12 


6.9 


2056 


li 


11.2 



40 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The great variations which exist, both in size and quality of beets, 
are most strikingly shown by the above figures. The variation in size 
extends from 1 to 53 ounces, and in sugar content from 2.6 to 12.2 per 
cent. When, however, it is considered that all overgrown and under- 
grown beets are rejected in taking the samples, and only those of 
medium size and perfect form selected, it is evident that the chances 
of the sami)le representing fairly the average of the whole lot are very 
much improved. Even granting this, however, it is unsatisfactory to 
depend upon the analysis of two or three samples alone for determin- 
ing the character of the whole plot. It is evident, however, that on 
account of the nature of the method of investigation and the undesira- 
bility of burdening the mails with too many samples, it is impracticable 
to do better than has been done in this matter. The analyses of all of 
the sami)les which were sent to the Department of Agriculture from 
each of the States and Territories are given in the tables which are 
found farther along. For convenience of reference, the analyses are 
tabulated by counties in each case. 

The second method of collecting data was through the cooperation 
of the agricultural experiment stations. To facilitate this, the Secre- 
tary of Agriculture appointed the directors of these stations special 
correspondents of the Department for distributing the seed and collect- 
ing the beets for analysis. The analyses were made by the chemists 
of the several stations, and they are given below, grouped under the 
various States. Where the cooperation of the agricultural experiment 
stations was secured, the reports are given by the director or officer in 
charge. Inasmuch as the details of these analyses are published by the 
various stations, including the names and residences of the persons 
who grew the beets, in the present report only the averages of the 
analyses by counties or sections, together with such observations as 
have seemed desirable, are given. The rei)orts of the directors and 
other officers in charge contain much interesting material, and in some 
cases are given without abbreviation. 

DATA OBTAINED IN THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 

AGRICULTURE. 

The analytical data obtained during the season of 1897 in the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture have been classified as follows: 

The data obtained from each State or Territory collected by counties 
or sections and the general average for each county are as follows : 

The analytical tables showing the data of the Department samples 
contain the names of the States and counties arranged alphabetically. 
The name of each county is followed by a symbol in the shape of a 
square to designate the position of the county in the State. The plain 
square shows that the county is situated in the central portion, while a 
straight line attached to the center of the top of the square shows the 
county is in the northern part of the State; attached in a diagonal 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES 41 

direction to the upper right-hand corner, that it is in the northeastern 
portion of the State ; attached to the center of the right side, shows it 
is in the eastern portion of the State; attached to the lower right-hand 
corner, that it is in the southeastern portion ; attached to the center of 
the lower side of the square, that it is in the southern part; to the 
lower left-hand corner, in the southwestern ; to the center of the left- 
hand side of the square, in the western part, and to the upper left-hand 
corner, in the northwestern. 

The tables also state the number of samples received from each 
county, the average weight of the samples in ounces, the average per 
cent of sugar in the beet, the average purity coefiicient of the juice, 
and the maxima and minima percentages of sugar in the juice and 
the coefficients of purity. 

In many cases the quantity of juice was too small to compute the 
purity in the usual way, and in others the low percentage of sugar 
rendered the ascertainment of the purity unnecessary. These two rea- 
sons account for the omission in many instances of the number express- 
ing the purity of the juice. 

CAUTIONS REGARDING THE VALUE OF THE DATA. 

It is highly important that the persons using the analytical data 
contained in the following tables be cautioned in regard to the value 
which should be attached thereto. It is evident, in the first place, 
that samples which have been grown in such a promiscuous way as 
those received by the Department, in so many different characters of soil, 
under so many different climatic conditions, and with such variable 
culture, water supply, and fertilizing materials, must lack that uni- 
formity of value which should characterize scientific data in general. 
Attention has already been called, moreover, to the fact that the few 
samples of beets which have been sent can not be regarded as exactly 
representing the whole mass of which they originally formed a part. 
The variations in individuals are so great under practically identical 
conditions as to render somewhat doubtful data which are based upon 
a few samples alone. For instance, in the comparison of different 
States in respect of sugar-producing qualities, it may be that one 
State is represented by perhaps less than 50 samples, while others may 
have 500 or 1,000. In such cases the average of the 50 samples does 
not in any way present such convincing data as the average of 1,000. 
The greater the number of samples examined, the more nearly will 
the disturbing influences of individuals be eliminated. When it comes 
to a comi)arison of the counties in the several States, the same remarks 
are true. In many instances a county may be represented by a single 
sample. It may be that the sample is extremely good or extremely poor. 
In neither case is it representative. It would be unjust, therefore, to 
compare a county with one sample with another from which 50, 100, or 
200 samples have been received. Even in the averages representing 



42 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the samples from a single couuty or locality care must be taken not to 
be misled. The samples may include, for instance, a very small beet 
with an excessive sugar content, or a very large one with a deficient 
sugar content. In case only two or three samples constitute the whole 
number, the influence of these abnormal sami)Ies is raised to a maximum. 
As an illustration of this, the analysis of samples from Clinton County, 
111., may be cited as a type of many others. Three samples were received 
from this county, the average weight of which was 13 ounces, and the 
average sugar content 15.7 per cent. One of these samples, however, 
weighed only 4 ounces, and had the abnormal sugar content of 21.2 per 
cent. It is evident, therefore, that the average percentage of sugar in 
the three samples is very much higher than it would have been had they 
all been normal in size. 

Another point must not be forgotten, and that is, granting that the 
samples of any locality are representative, they represent only one 
season. That season may have been peculiarly favorable or unfavorable, 
and hence no section should be judged by the results of a single year's 
experiment. The reader who wishes to study critically the data which 
follow must take all these facts into consideration, and the judgment 
which he may form in regard to any particular section must be sub- 
ject to the rectifications indicated by the variable factors mentioned 
above. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES 



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51 



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BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



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66 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN 'AE UNITED STATES. 

STUDY OF THE ANALYTICAL DATA. 

lu further elucidation of the data contained in the preceding tables 

a brief discussion of them for each State is appended, supplemented 

by a summary of those secured by the experiment stations in the 

several States. 

Arizona. 

The samples from Arizona consist of one from A])ache County, and 
six from the agricultural experiment station in Pima County. In the 
foregoing tables the averages of weight are given to the nearest ounce 
to avoid the fractions of an ounce, which would necessarily increase the 
space required for printing. Inasmuch as the weight of the cut beet is 
so easily varied by a slight diifereuce of the position of the knife in cut- 
ting, it is evident that this method of estimation is practically sufficient. 

In the analytical data obtained from Arizona, as will be seen by 
referring to the preceding data, the mean weight of the beets examined 
was 23 ounces and the mean jjercentage of sugar in the samples 9.3. 
On account of the poor quality of the beets, the purity of the juices was 
not determined. The highest observed percentage of sugar in the beet 
was 12 and the lowest 7.6. 

The following report of his investigations and observations in regard 
to the sugar beets grown in Arizona, during the season of 1897, was 
made by Eobert H. Forbes, chemist of the Agricultural Exijerimeut 
Station of Arizona. 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS WITH SUGAR BEETS IN ARIZONA FOR 1897. 

By R. H. Forbes, Chemist. 

Briefly stated, the average for 157 analyses of beets from all over the Territory is 
8.56 per cent of sugar in the juice, Avith a purity of 61.8. At first glance these are 
discouraging figures indeed, hut taken as they stand they are misleading, and their 
true significance can only he gotten at by examining the whole series of analyses 
for diflerences due to tlie effect of such important factors as care and skill in grow- 
ing, different kinds of soil, differences of climate found in various localities and at 
different times of the year, and the variety of heets planted. 

In order to show the results of careful cultivation upon the quality of the heets, 
I have divided the samples received from Salt River Valley into three lots. 

The first lot consists of 13 samples grown by Dr. Claflin on the experimental sub- 
station grounds near Phamix. These beets were given the most excellent care. 
The second lot consists of 24 samples obtained from 12 growers near Phwuix, Glen- 
dale, and Mesa. These beets received a fair amount of care during growth, but on 
the average were jirobably not as carefully attended to as Dr. Claflin's 13 samples. The 
third lot consists of 60 samples from the same localities, but which were cared for 
scarcely at all excepting for an occasional irrigation. The results speak for them- 
selves. Dr. Claflin's 13 samples averaged 11.23 per cent of sugar in the juice with 
a purity of 68.3. The 24 cultivated samples from other growers averaged 9.42 per 
cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 66.3. The 60 neglected samples gave 8.35 
per cent of sugar in the juice, with a purity of 53.4. 

These figures confirm the well-known fact that intelligent and skillful care is 
essential in beet culture; more so, I dare say, than in the production of any other 
great staple, and careless or ignorant treatment of our vegetable thoroughbred will 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



57 



inevitably end in disaster.' The sugar beet is no exception to the well-known rule 
that plants, which have been developed through cultivation, if neglected or allowed 
to run wild, quickly return to their former primitive condition. 

Because of the unusual facility with which the sugar beet returns to its former 
unprofitable condition, it is evident that beet culture is a high art, and iu this coun- 
try the more intelligeuce is required in its treatment because the conditions are in 
many ways unusual, and the rules which are successfully applied in other countries 
must be changed or modified here. 

In a general way, however, we may insist that deep and thorough preparation of 
the soil, careful irrigation, and repeated cultivations and hoeings as long as the 
crop will permit are no less essential here than elsewhere. 

The effect of climate is also perceptible in our analyses. Samples have been 
received from St. Johns, St. Joseph, Holbrook, Duncan, Buckeye, Thatcher, Skull 
Valley, Tombstone, Taylor, Fort Thomas, and other more elevated or more northerly 
points. Almost without exception, the beets from these places were much above the 
average in richness and purity. The richest samples we have as yet received came 
from St. Joseph and contained 16.3 per cent of sugar in the .juice, with a purity of 
81 ; 17 samples received from the above places averaged 12.37 per cent of sugar in 
the juice, with a purity of 75.5. 

In order to make the comparison more rigid, we select the Kleinwanzlebener 
variety only from amoug them, and find that 7 samples average 12.4 per cent sugar, 
with a purity of 76.3, as against 10.22 per cent sugar and a purity of 67.82 for this 
same variety in Salt River Valley. 

Knowing the great influence of temperature upon the composition of the beet, it is 
difficult to lay these differences to any other cause than the cooler temperature of 
these higher and more northerly localities. 

It is a matter of regret that arable land is so scarce iu these parts of the Territory. 
Our observations, however, may guide us in obtaining better results in warmer 
localities, and in this way: Most of the Salt River Valley plantings were made in 
Mai'ch and April, so that almost from the start the plants were subject to the hot 
6U !;mer weather, the temperature throughout the months of June, July, August, 
and September being much above the point generally regarded as most favorable 
to sugar beets. Now, it is possible that by planting earlier in the year a cooler 
temperature may be secured for the first three or four months of the life of the 
plants. Of course the risk from frost will be increased, but that there is some possi- 
bility of success in the plan is suggested by the fact that on June 14 we analyzed a 
sample of beets from Fowler Brothers, near Phoenix, which gave 15.2 per cent of 
sugar in the juice, with a purity of 76. The seed for this lot was planted Feb- 
ruary 12 and the beets were probably not mature. 

We can not safely draw conclusions from a single instance, but the high percentage 
and purity in this extremely early sample are suggestive of the possible advantage 
in early planting. 

Selecting the Kleinwanzlebener beets received from the northern places and com-' 
paring them with those obtained from Phoenix, Glendale, Tempo, and Mesa, in the 
Salt River Valley, we obtaia the following results : 



Showing effect of climate. 


Average 
weight 
of beets. 


Sugar in 
juice. 


Sugar in 
beets. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Kleinwanzlebener : 

From more northerly or elevated localities, 14 samples. . . 
From Salt River Valley, 18 samples 


Ounces. 
18 
18.2 


Per cent. 
13.35 
10.48 


Per cent. 
12.35 
9.69 


78.8 
69 5 







The average mean monthly temperatures for Phoenix, Prescott, and Fort Thomas 
during several years past are shown in the following table. Phoenix is iu the Salt 
River Valley, Prescott represents the cooler northern parts of the Territory from 



58 



IJKKT-HIXiAU INDUH'I'Ify IN 'I'lIK IJNI'l'j;!) HTATKH. 



wIlK'li \)l;i:\,H Wlil'O I'r.c.oivotI, illlll I'oi'l/ ThiMliaH IH ill lilt: lS;rUlo, il'li;4ULi)il JKM'Lioil of 

(<tiiiiiatii (Joijiity, iu HuutbuuMiui'U Arl/.ouu. 



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i'lniiijy, iiH III till' Hoil, it Ih iiiiich morn iliniciilt to tnuut iiiiy coiiiuM-.tioii lidtwcDU 
tlio tjiuilily of iMint.H |ii'o(lii('<'(l Mini llio iiiimoioiiH vatiittii-H of hoII, for whicii tiiiH 
i'iig:ioii \h I'iimioiih iiiiiI on wlii(!li thoy liuvo hiion Kiowii. I'lirtiiniitoly, liowi'vor, wa 
liiivi) t'oiU!iitly rottiplrti'il tlio iitiulyHiH of a hitIoh oI' twenty riiprimi^iitiitivi) Kult JCivor 
Viilloy HoiJH iiikI iMM'tiiiii ^iiiiiMiil rliui'iictoriHtiiH of thuHoilH of tliJH rogioii liavu liuun 
(Irtitriiiliiiiil. 

l''roiii a <'.li(f|iii<'ai tiojnl. of v iow Mio rollovviii;^ HtiitoiiKiiitH may lio iiiiulc. :i lion t li vu 
ol' tliii moMJ. im|iorljMit Hoil r<>iiM(,itiioiilH, vi/, jtotiiHli, lliiiti, iiitro^i-n, jilioHplioric. iiciil, 
and liiiiiiiiN. 

rotioili iit iwi^iy wlioKi iiirHiMit in aliiiiKliiiit i|iiatiliti<-n. Wo iiavo roiiml i'loiii ().'17 
to l.tlli per riMit ill our Hiiin|ili^M, tlio Idwim- ll^iiio lioin^ ampio lorn. lorliloHoil. 

J.iiiin aiiio ill pioiinnl. ill ^rtuit ruirilcitMiry, llm HaiopirH liliowiii)^ IVuiii 1) u7 to i.'J por 
cont. 

>lltro|.((iii, liowiivor, in ilollciriit almoHt ovory wlioi^, tlio aviMan« lor tlio HorioH lioiiij? 
O.OIK pill coiit, and in only two liiMtancoH iImIii/^ iibovo 0.10 pi-r c-ont, wliicli in i-oii- 
Hldorcd to lio ii. ntMMUnl iimonnt to liiHiiro nitrogon I'orlility. 

'riiih diillrionry prolialily aflortH tlm rirlinoHH of Niif^ar liuotH Iuhh tliiin it doos tiioir 
h1/o. It Ih woII iuiown tliafc an ox^omh of nitro^fon prodiuirN liectn of an onormoiiH 
hi/.o, lint of vi'iy poor quality. In oiio iiiHtniico wo roocivod a lioi^ woiKhinj; fi 
jionndH, whii'li liad liooit ^rowii on licavily iiianiiiod and nlnindantly irrifratod Hoil. 
Tim Mampio k"Vo only 1.7 por rout of Hiinnr in tlio Jnii^o, with ii. piiiity of 2:1. 'I'hia 
roHiilt WiiM piidiiilily duo, in part at loiiMt, to oscohnIvo nitro^on. 

Tim Miniill II vorii^o hI/o of tlio IkmiIh loiolvoil, Imwovir, poinl.H to a povorty of iiitro- 
^oii in tlio Hoil lor tlilrt oiop. TIiIn will hold for olln^r ciopH an well an hcolH, and I 
am told that in ono caMo ni'iu' Imro two noijf|iliorliif( oriinjio orcinirdH woro planliMl, 
ono on vti'f^in moHii, hhII, tlio other on plowod aifiiira ground. It Ih Htiitod tliat tin) 
laltor ondiiiid him pioHpoiod lar nioio tlian Km m^i^;llhol•. TIuh wiih doiihllcMH duo to 
till! nllio^'in which aH'iillii imd ollior IcgnminoiiH iiopH contrihiilft to tlio moII. In 
HoloctiiiK hoot fjronnd, Ihoroldro, otlmr thiiigH Imin^ o(|iia!, il would hr well in tliin 
roj^lon to cliooHo that wliiidi hiiM provioiiNly hoon in nldilfii. 

In Miippoit of thiH viow I would Htato that Dr. (!lallin'H Haniphm woro K'""wn on 
.Kioiind that hinl provioiiMly Imoii In alfaH'ii, ho tliiit IiIh oxcollont locord may liiivo 
hoon duo in part to thin imiiiho. 

riioHphorid atid Ih nHiiiilly proHont in HiiKlciiMii-y, tlmiiKh novor viM-y ahiindant. 
In Homo niHOH a. Horionn lack of piioHpliorio aoid Iiiih hoon iiotiMJ. Tlio avoiiigo for tho 
valley Ih i:<poriM<nt. Itlnhliitod that the olVoct of phonplioric acid in hoot i-iiltiiro 
in toimToiiHo tho Hnjj;iir and hiiHtm malnrity. It innuppliod toadvantnuo in coiinoo- 
tion witli nilro^on. tliin comhinaliim (i^mlinn to imicawi th(^ ni/o of tlio hcotH and 
iiIho maintain lliclr liclinoHH. 

Thin doHiiiiJdo comhinalion of nitro^'on and phoHpliorio acid Ih found In f^iiaiioH 
and in hoim HiipcrphoHplialoH, and it Ih prol.ahio tiiat tho application of tliono for- 
iili/.oi'H will, NO far iiM hoot oiiltnro Ih oonoiMiiod, ^roatly Improve tlio hoUm of Miis 
10^1(111. The i|iieHlioii of coHt, ol'coniHo, I'litoiH hero, Init it in ono which miiHt in any 
oaHo HOon ho Holvi'd. At (Miino, (!al., with an .'xciiedinKly fertile noil, the need of 
commerolal fortHi/.oin Ih alroatly folt, alter llie landH having hoon orojipod for live or 
hIx yoai'H. 



liKK'I'-HIKJAIt INI)I;H'I'I;,Y in 'rill', IINI'IKI) STATKH. 5!) 

I5;irii in.iiiiiro in of viilim for ImotH <mly aUci- <j|,linr <;h»|ih liavo 'm <ii ^rowii on t.lio 
JuikI, iiiid tlio inaniiro th<M'o1»y tiioroii^iily iiicoritoDiUid willi tho hoII. If ii|>|)li<i(l 
JiihI, iKil'oro jdunUiiK IJic IxMifc Hix-d, it, will prove iiiJiirioiiH Itolh l,o (.Iir. hIiiimI oCjilaiil-H 
aii«l tlio qiialily of tiio |iro(iii(;t. 

lliiiniiH, or v«;g(;tul)lo uiiMmv, ]h duCiciont In all ari<i hoIIk, our own ainon^ lliu 
niiinbor. IIihmiih and litrio arc va]iiu1>l«) largely 1»t<;auHO they impai't IxiUer tilliiij^ 
(|iiaIit,l<!H to th« Hoil, (fivo i(. f^inator wator-lioldin^c power, uimI leHKcn Uie teiideney (,o 
liiij'diMViH wlieii dry. IIiiimiih reHitltn from 1>ani iiiiiiiiire, and iho a|)|die,:iU()ii of MiIh 
inaUM'ial with Hiiitalile )>i'<;('UMtioiiH Hlioiild 1><) be.nelicial. 

Ah i,o alkali :iiid it.H ej'f'eet upon heelH, il. in;i,y Ixi Hiiiil Uiiil, when Uhi planl,^ ;ue oneo 
CHl/a1)]iHlied in Mirill.y ^rowili iiioy will Hl.and nioro alkali ilian inoHl, olJie.r < ropH. 11/ 
liiiH ))e(;n ohHorvod alHo ai, ('liiiio thai, Uio (pi.-ility of tho lieelH in not inipuire.il liy 
alkaline, ground. It Ih prohahle, liowe.ver, aw a nnittor of opinion, that yonn({ plaiilH 
art) injni'ed hy the eriiKt roi'ine<l on the Hiirfaee of the ho i I through the ae.tion oi'aJka.ll, 
and thiH may aeconnt in part for th«) nxe(;e,din(r|y jtoor Htand of jtlantn ohtiijiied in 
niowt of tln) i)Xj»eriinontH thiH yeiir. AlmoHt wilhont exe.eptlon, the re,poitM Mtate tinit 
the Hued did not come u)> well or that the youn(( phmtH died. 'I'Imh dinienlty may 
pOHHihly ho ovorcomo hy plantinj^ earlier in the y«ar, hy UHiiij; more and hettr-.r need, 
and hy taking morn earo to ke.ep tlie Hiirfaee, Hr)ll Iooho diiiirif^ the {{e,rmina,iion of 
tlie Hcof! and tho (IrHfc wcokH of jthmt growth. Halt Ifiver Valley Ih uofc oxcftssively 
alkaline; mueli hiUH ho, it Ih Htati;d, than the l'e.<!OH Valley in New Mexleo, where he,efc 
eultiini Ih now attemjited. 

So miieh for the reHiilt of one HeaHon'H oxperime.ntiil work. The leMHonH we, have 
leai'nrtd are, : (I) That lieie an olnewhere Hiif^ar IxrjiH mnnl, he j^rown with the nlmont 
care; (2) that the eoole,r ftortionn of the Territory, ho far aH ohnervejl, prodime 
hette.r heetn than the Wiirnier loeiilitieH, and that evpeiinu-'tilH Hhoiild he made an l,o 
what e,arly jd;intin^^ will <lo in Ihene, warme.r localities; ('A) that the Kleinwanzle- 
b«;n«!r variel,y, ho far jih ye^t known, yiehlH the lte,Hl, rennltH in Ari/onji; and (4) th;i.l, 
the Hoiln of the v.illey Htand in need of nitrogen and orj^ani*; matter, poHMiMy jdioH- 
phorie acid alno, and that previoMH oeeup.-ition of lJi<'. ^roitnd with alfalfa or other 
ineanH of fertilization nhoiild he Heeiired. 

'i'hongh many of the re.HiiltH are nnfavorahle, the oeeanional Hnr;eeHHr;H that have 
been He.eiirod Hhr)W that the,re in amjile reanon for a eontinnanee of the work. 

If, during the next ye,ar, a half do/Am flrnt-eJaHH fii,nne,rH of thlM valley will f.ach 
put in an acre of Klein wanzelehener hee,tH e.arly in the year, on ):(ronnd tliat han heen 
in alfalfa, and will care for them aH they oiit^ht tr> he care,d for, I believe, that we 
may have Hotnelhinj^ nnieli jnore favorable, to jep<»it on thin Huhje,c,(,. 

Fuitlicr (IctallH of Ui<', ulutvo, (;xi)<;rinujjif,H with Ixc.tH an; ]>iibliKlic,<l in 
Bulletin No. 20 of the, Aii/oiia (ixpcriinent Htatiori, iHsued in December, 
1807. 

The, jxjor roHultH <>]>tain(!<] in Arizona aro Honuiwliat HurpriMin^, 
altlioiigli in general it may be Hald that th(5 (climate of Arizona in trjo 
warm for Hec,urint( tJx; Ixint r(!HultH. Tint n'tnaiks nia<le by !VTf. l^'orbeH 
in regard to caieJnl (jiiltnre Hhoiild be give,n dn(i <;onHidei;itioii. 'JImi 
j)robabilitieH are, liowe.ver, that inaHnin(;h sih the IxeelH in Arizona were 
all grown with irrigation, the ai)i)lic,ation of the. water wan of Hiteh 
a eharaele.r aH to prevent, in Home resjieetH, the. (levelopme,nt of the 
highent naeehat ine eonfxuit. It may be. remarked irt gen<;ral, in regard 
to the beetH grciwji with irrigation, that mneh iH yet to b(i l<*,arned in 
regard to the manner of Hnpi)lying the wafx;r, the. time at whieh it is tx> 
})e ajiplied, and tiie, (juantity wlii(;h is to be une.d. It would be experted 
tliat the i<](tal conditionH of moiHture eouhl be neeured by irrig;i(i(>n, 
and yet in practice the rcHultH have not been the moHt enw>uraging. 



60 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

This has been true in regard to the growth of beets in Utah and Xew 
Mexico under irrigation. There is no factor connected with the sugar- 
beet industry which is of more practical interest than a careful study 
of the conditions under which irrigated beets siiouhl be grown. The 
fertile soils of the arid regions are undoubtedly able to produce large 
crops of beets under irrigation, when the proper conditions are under- 
stood. Complaints have also been made in respect of the effects of 
alkali upon beets in these soils, and also of insect pests. It is impor- 
tant that a study be made of the bacteria, molds, aud insect pests of 
sugar beets, together with the effects of the alkali. After allowing for 
all these conditions, however, it must be confessed that the Arizona 
data are somewhat disappointing, and unless great improvement can 
be made there is little prospect of the industry being established on a 
secure foundation in that region. 

Aekaxsas. 

Arkansas lies so far south of the beet belt as to make a discussion 
of the ])Ossibilities of beet growing in that vicinity unnecessary. Only 
two samples were received from the State, and as might be expected, 
these do not show any very favorable qualities. A few general remarks 
may be made about growing beets in warmer climates than those best 
suited to obtaining the highest grade of beets, namely: 

First, that it is quite possible to get fine harvests of beets with 
favorable tonnage per acre. 

Second, that it is possible to grow beets containing quantities of 
sugar which would have made them valuable for manufaeraring pur- 
poses several years ago, before the beet reached its present high state 
of developmeut, and 

Third, that such beets could probably be grown with great profit for 
stock-feeding purposes in all these localities. The full value of the 
beet and beet pulp will be discussed in a separate portion of this report. 

The average weight of the two samj^les received from Arkansas was 
18 ounces, and the average content of sugar in the beet 11.3 j)er ceut. 

California. 

California is recognized as the principal beet sugar producing State 
in the Union. Only one sample of beets was received from this 
State, and it had a weight of 1'6 ounces and contained 1G.8 per cent 
of sugar. All of the coast valleys of California are favorably situated, 
in respect of temperature, for the production of sugar beets, and the 
same may be said of certain lands, the limits of which are not yet well 
defined, in other parts of the State. Even in the Sacramento Valley, as 
far inland as the point of junction with the San Joaquin Eiver. where 
the temperature is higher than that considered best for beets, it has 
been found that good beets can be grown. In experiments conducted 
on Union Island, near Stockton, Cal., during the years 1884-^!), under 
direction of the chief chemist of the Department of Agriculture, very 



* BEET-SUGAR I3n)USTBY LS" THE UNITED STATES. 61 

encouraging resnlts were obtained, both in the quantity and the char- 
acter of the beets jjrodnced. The.se beets were grown ap^>n the reclairnHi 
lands of the delta of the San Joaqnin at its junction with the Sacra- 
mento Biver. The lands were jirotected from overflow by strong levees. 
but the conditions weie not theoretically the most favorable for the 
production of high-grade beets. 

Unfortunately, however, large portions of the coast larjds, by reason 
of their contour, are not well suited to the cultivation of beets. On 
page 90 of Bulletin So. 5 of the Division of Chemistry, published in 
1885. the following observation is made: "In the interior and eastern 
divisions of California only the high Sierra regions have a temx>erature 
low enough for beets, and in that locality there is no land adaptcl to beet 
culture. The beet region of California, therefore, is confined to the coast 
valleys." This statement may have to be modified to some extent by 
reason of the data mentioned above from Union Island- These obser- 
vations are corroborated by the analyses made by Director Hilgard, 
during 1897, of beets grown in Sacramento County. This locality adjoins 
Union Lsland. where the exj>eriments conducted by the Dejjartment of 
Agriculture were made. The average size of the beets examined by 
Director Hilgard was satigfiactory, and the content of sugar in the beets 
was a little over 16 per cent, with a high puritj' reaching almost So for 
a whole series of analyses. These data show that in the Sacramento 
Valley, at least where the temperature is somewhat higher than that 
regarded as most favorable, beets of fine sugar-jiroducing qualities can 
be grown. After a careful personal srady of the climatic and soil con- 
ditions in California, made in 1884, it is stated on i>age 100 of BuUetin 
"So. -5 of the Division of Chemistry that there are in California about 
5,830 square miles of land suitable to beet culture, provided the whole 
of it could be supplied with a sufQcient quantity of water. Even if only 
one-third of this area should be found eventually fit for the culture of 
beets, it would be possible for the State of California alone to produce 
nearly 500.000 tons of beet sugar and still practice a proper rotation of 
crops. In \iew of the fact that the beet-sugar industry has been so 
carefully studied in California, both by the agricultural esjieriment 
station and by those engaged in the manufacture of sugar, it is not 
necessary here to dwell further njwn the possibilities of its extension 
in that State. 

COLOEAM). 

The number of samples received from the State of Colorado at the 
Department of Agriculture was 174. The average weight of the beet? 
received was 20 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 
13.6. and the mean purity 76.7. The conditions which obtain in Colo- 
rado are so different from those of the Easiem States as to warrant a 
detailed discussion of the data. This, however, in the present condition 
of affairs, would be somewhat premature. It is advisable to wait until 
a more thorough agricultural survey of the State be made, under the 
immediate supervision of the agricultural experiment station. When 



62 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the anal^^tical table of the data received from Colorado is consulted, it 
is seen that most remarkable differences exist in the returns from the 
different counties. Since in most cases only a very few samples have 
been received from any given county, it is not fair to make any judgment 
of the possibilities of any one county from data of so limited a nature. 
The great variations in altitude in the State, causing sharp differences 
of temperature, must also be taken into consideration. In addition to 
this, it is fair to presume that the sami)les have all been grown under 
irrigation, and it is impossible, in such data as are collected from the 
farmers, to determine with any certainty what the proper conduct of 
the irrigation should be. In general, the data are entirely satisfactory, 
es])ecially in respect of content of sugar. As regards the mean purity 
of the juices, the data are somewhat unsatisfactory, since it falls more 
than three points below tlie minimum of good beets. This maybe due 
to the great amount of mineral salts which the soils of Colorado contain, 
and to the well-known property of the sugar beet of absorbing these 
salts from the soil. For this reason, it may be suggested that in many 
cases cultivation of the sugar beet could be advantageously practiced, 
not alone on account of the profit in the beet itself, but because of the 
improvement in the soil which would result from the extraction of the 
alkaline materials. Among the counties where the samples have been 
somewhat numerous and the results most encouraging may be men- 
tioned Boulder, lying to the northwest of Denver and mostly within the 
favorable thermal area, where the average content of sugar in the beet 
was over 15, and the purity nearly 81. This most favorable result was 
obtained with exce])tionally large beets, the average weight of which 
was 31 ounces. This fact makes the data even more valuable and 
suggestive. 

Another county where the data were extremely favorable, although 
the number of samples was only two, is Delta, a county lying within 
the theoretical thermal area, and where the average size of the samples 
was 20 ounces, the average content of sugar over 17, and the purity 80.5. 

Another favorable result may be reported from Garfield County, 
although the average size of the beets is a little low. The mean per- 
centage of sugar in the beets was 16.6, and the purity 83.2. This 
county also lies mostly in the thermal belt. 

In contrast with the above should be cited the returns from Logan 
County, showing not only small beets, but exceptionally low contents 
of sugaj- and purities. Logan County, nevertheless, is contained almost 
wholly within the thermal belt, which is most favorable to the growth 
of beets. The poor results obtained must therefore be due to causes 
which are not made known. 

Upon the whole, the data from Colorado are exceedingly encouraging 
and lead to the belief that tliere are many parts of that State where, 
with proper conditions of tillage and irrigation, the sugar beet industry 
may be established with profit. 

In connection with the work done by the l)e[)artment of Agriculture, 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 63 

it is interesting to consider the report of the director and chemist of 
the agricnltural experiment station of Colorado at Fort Collins : 

lUlIEl' RKPORTS REGARDING SUGAR BEET EXPERIMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1897, AT 
THE COLORADO STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 

Chemical section. 

The work of the chemical department on sugar beets can be summarized, briefly 
as follows : 

We began taking weekly samples on September 2. The varieties represented were 
Vilmoriu, two plots; Kleinwanzlebener, two plots; Leon Brand,' one plot; and 
Imperial, one plot. The amount of sugar in the beets was determined from week to 
week. We did not find a very rapid increase as the season advanced until the beets 
approached maturity, wheu we observed a sudden increase of about 3.5 per cent. 
Our samples varied greatly in their sugar content, but n greed in indicating that the 
crop in this country was not sufficiently matured to yield marketable beets before 
the middle of October. The average of the beets analyzed subsequent to this date, 
debarring one lot, the most of which were grown under unfavorable conditions, and 
a few samples which were clearly unmarketable beets, is 14 per cent, the range 
being from 10 per cent to 18.25 per cent of sugar. The coefficient of purity has 
ranged from 70 to 89, and has averaged 80.7. We believe the average percentage of 
sugar given to be high enough, but the coefficient of purity — 80.7 — is lower than the 
actual coefiioient ratlier than higher. '^ 

Respectfully submitted. William P. Headden, 

Station Chemist. 



Agricultural section. 
(From Report of the Director.) 

In a general way it can be said that the results of this season's work are very favor- 
able to the establishment of the beet-sugar industry in Colorado. The following 
figures are to be judged in the light of the statements that come, from all the beet- 
sugar manufacturing States of the Union, that the season of 1897 was especially 
unfavorable to the industry. If in this poor year Colorado can make such a good 
showing, what may we expect of her in ordinary or favorable years? 

The above report of the chemist of our Experiment Station gives the figures for 
the beets raised on the College Farm. But few analyses were made here of beets 
raised elsewhere, since the failure to get into our new chemical building last fall left 
the Chemical Department in poor shape for doing much outside work. 

Practically all the analyses of Colorado beets not grown at Fort Collins were 
made in the Chemistry Division of the Department of Agriculture at Washington. 
It has seemed best to give here merely a summary with reference to our local 
conditions. 

For the purpose of sugar-beet raising Colorado may be divided into five sections: 

(1) The vallej'^ of the South Platte and its tributaries. 

v2) The divide south of Denver, and the plains region where beets are grown with- 
out irrigation. 

(3) The valley of the Arkansas River. 

(4) The valley of the Grand River. 

(5) The San Luis Valley. 

All these, except the second, use irrigation. There are two features of the raising 
of sugar beets that require special study — namely, the quality of the beets when 
they are ripe and the time of the year when they reach that degree of ripeness. The 



' This variety is unknown to me. — H. W. W. 

2 It is not clear what is meant by this expression. — H. W. W. 



64 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



earlier in the season they reach a profitable degree of sugar and purity the longer 
season the factory will have to manufacture the crop, and the larger the amount of 
crop that can be handled by a factory of a given size. 

Many tests were made of sugar beets dug in September, but only a few showed 
beets suited for use in sugar making. Nevertheless, tlie fact that a few samples, 
even by September 18, exceeded 12 per cent sugar and a purity of 80, shows that 
when our farmers are more used to growing sugar beets they can bring them to 
maturity several days, and probably two weeks, earlier than the average crop of 
1897. With the first days of October the crops ripened rapidly. 

The following table presents a summary of the season of 1897, with reference to 
the quality of the beets, and the time of ripening in different parts of Colorado: 



Section of State. 



The valley of the South Platte. 

The divide and the plains 

The A'alley of the Arkansas .... 

The valley of the Grand 

The San Luis Valley 



Samples dug be- 
tween Oct. 1 and 10. 



Sugar. 



Per cent. 
14.1 
12.5 



16.3 

13.7 



Purity co- 
efficient. 



80.7 
73.7 



83.6 
79.2 



Samples dug be- 
tween Oct. 10 and 15, 



Snp-ar Parity CO 



Per cent. 
14.6 
15.1 
13.1 



12.4 



81.1 
80.6 
77.9 



78.5 



Samples dug after 
Oct. 15. 



c! Purity CO- 

S"g^^- efficient. 



Per cent. 
15.4 
14.8 
15.3 



14.8 



81.1 
78.3 
81.9 



Idaho. 

The number of samples received at this laboratory from the State of 
Idaho was only seven, representing two counties. The average weight 
of the beets received was 21 ounces, the average content of sugar therein 
15.5 per cent, and the average purity 79.4. Both in respect of size of 
the beets and content of sugar the results are very encouraging. The 
average coefficient of purity is almost uj) to the minimum standard, and 
doubtless could be improved later on. The alkalinity of the soil, which 
has been mentioned in connection with the lowering of the average in 
Colorado, is doubtless active in Idaho. There are large areas in Idaho 
where the thermal conditions are favorable, but they are detached 
from the main thermal belt crossing the continent. There are two 
centers of thermal conditions in Idaho which serve as nuclei for deter- 
mining the conditions most favorable. One of these lies almost wholly 
in the State, and Boise City may be regarded as the center of it, and 
the other extends into the western and northern part of the State from 
the State of Washington. In general, it may be said that the thermal 
conditions in Idaho, if they alone are to be considered, are sufficiently 
favorable for the culture of the beet, in so far as the growing season is 
concerned. The data obtained, while meager, are sufficiently encour- 
aging to warrant a more thorough survey of the State, and also the 
belief that the conditions for the successful establishment of the sugar 
industry may be found wherever the character of the soil, in respect of 
contour and fertility, and the facilities for irrigation and other factors 
favorable to the growth of the sugar beet and the manufacture of 
sugar can be secured. The report of the chemist of the station contains 
much valuable information in respect of the sugar-beet industry in the 
State of Idaho, and is herewith appended: 



BEET-SUGAE INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 65 

RESULTS OF EXPEKIMENTS IN IDAHO. 

In the tirst place, the results of the past season are quite disappointing and unsat- 
isfactory, due to several causes ^\hich will be eliminated largely in the experiments 
of next year. 

The climatic conditions of Idaho are quite varied, the growing season opening 
several weeks earlier in South Idaho, along the Snake River and in the Boise Basin, 
than along the Clearwater or in North Idaho. The seed furnished gratis to this 
station by the Department of Agriculture arrived late, and before it could be dis- 
tributed — May 4 to June 2 — the seasim was Avell advanced, hence the seed that was 
planted either failed of germination, or the young plants were killed by severe 
climatic changes of heat and drought, or of cold and wet soil, which latter condition 
prevailed in the Palouse region. Much of the seed sown in our station plats failed 
to grow. The stand was irregular, weak, and of poor ([uality, so that the tonnage per 
acre could not be estimated with any degree of reliability. It is therefore omitted 
from the tables. 

Seed was mailed to 114 farmers, representing 41 difterent sections of the State, 
yet samples of beets for analysis were received at this Department from only 20 
farmers, representing 13 localities. This apparent apathy on the part of our farmer 
friends is explainable in part. In many cases the seed did not reach its destination, 
or when planted it failed to germinate, or the young plants were destroyed by insects 
or jack rabbits. In a few cases there was not snfificient interest manifested in the 
experiment to induce proper cultivation of the young plants, therefore no samples 
worthy of shipment were grown. 

Sugar-beet growing is a new industry to the American farmer, and he has yet to 
learn that the ordinary farm methods are not always applicable and sufficient to 
grow and mature a typical sugar beet. The Idaho rancher is not an exception. He 
has yet to learn the value of intensive methods, from the preparation of the seed 
bed to the marketing of his crop. The neglect to plow deeply, to pulverize finely, 
to place the seed with care, to thin the plants judiciously, to cut out the weeds, 
withal to cultivate and hoe the growing plants regularly, resialted in partial or 
entire failure of the experiment. The sugar beet is a thoroughbred, and must be 
given care in keeping with its regal characteristics if high sugar content and purity 
are to be attained. The successful sugar-beet grower has learned that the sucrose is 
practically hoed into the root. This knowledge and its application our farmers 
eA'idently were not in possession of, or the number of samples forw.nrded would have 
been greatly augmented. It is a matter of education, however, which will be 
overcome in time by the dissemination of information through the press, the station 
bulletin, and closer competition induced by immigration from older States, where 
better methods of farming prevail. 

The 41 samples analyzed averaged in sugar content 15.17 percent; in purity, 87. .55. 
The 20 samples grown by the Station gave in sugar 15 28 per cent; in jjurity, 92.55. 
The 21 samples grown elsewhere averaged 15.07 per cent of sugar, and 82.78 in purity. 
The highest and lowest results gave 19 and 10.2 per cent in sugar; and 95.10 and 
81.81 purity, respectively. 

OTHER SUGAR BEET DATA NOT HITHERTO GIVEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. 

During the fall of 1894, 192 analyses of sugar beets were made by the Station, 
which gave an average of 13.7 per cent of sugar and a purity of 76.08 degrees. Some 
of the samples were large, others had been frozen, still others were immature, while 
a few varieties were not at all adapted to our soil and climate. This reduced an 
otherwise much higher average. Excluding about 20 samples, the remainder, 55 
samples of Vilmorin's Improved gave an average of 11.77 per cent of sugar and a 
purity of 75.55 degrees. 

Forty-four samples of Kleinwanzlebener beets averaged 14.16 per cent of sugar 
with a purity of 82.80. 

Thirty snmplrs of Imperial averaged in sugar 14.1 per cent, in purity, 85.42. 

B.. Doc. 390 5 



66 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Ten samples of French Red Top gave an average of 13. G5 per cent of sugar with a 
purity of 82.70. 

The average of 10 samples of Lane'.s was 13.44 per cent of sugar with a purity of 
81.69. 

Eight samples of New Danish gave an average of 13.83 per cent of sugar and a 
purity of 81.81. 

The highest and lowest percentages of sugar in each variety were as follows: 



Variety. 



Highest. 1 Lowest. 



Vilmorin's 

Kleinwanzlobener 

Mette. 

Imperial 

Laiic'.s 

KedTop 

Danish 



cent. 


Per cent. 


16.6 


14.4 


19.6 


14.6 


18.4 


14.6 


18.2 


10. C 


15.7 


10.6 


15.9 


10.7 


15.2 


10.8 



The places represented in the experiment were the University of Idaho, Cteur 
d'Aleue, Sand Point, Moscow, Kendrick, Leuville, Princeton, Cornwall, Genesee, 
substation at Grangeville, substation at Idaho Falls, substation at Naaipa. 

The average yield throughout the State was estimated at 20 tons per acre.' 

ANALYSES OF BEETS GROWN IN 1895. 

The experiments in sugar beets for 1895 were covered by 342 analy.ses of beets 
grown by the University of Idaho and by farmers residing near Grangeville, Nampa, 
Moscow, Weippe, Vollmer, Palouso, Spokane Bridge, Westlake, Staruer, Newport, 
Salmonn, and Paris. 

The average sugar content of the crop was 15.19 per cent; coefficient of purity, 
79.91. In the analyses were included 15 samples of red or table beets. These 15 
contained an average of 13.75 per cent of sugar iu the juice and a coefficient of 
purity of 75.57. 

Several analyses were made for the purpose of determining what bearing, if any, 
the size of the sample beet had upon the sugar content and purity. Among others 
I select four varieties, and submit the results without comment: 

VILMORIN'S IMPROVED. 



Size. 





FLORIMOND DESPREZ. 



1. Large 

2. Medimn 

3. Small... 




83.95 
84. 00 
80.25 



LANE'S IMPERIAL. 



1. Larpo. — 

2. ^lediiiin 

3. Small . . . 




KLEINWANZLEBENER. 




> This estimate, as is usual in such cases, is doubtle.ss too h 




84.33 
84.72 
83.93 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



67 



ANALYSES OF BEETS GROWN IN 1896. 

The work of the year was confined very largely to the station, and consisted of a 
special effort in the way of growing typical sugar beets. The effect of deep and 
shallow plowing, regular cultivation, fertilization, and irrigation, as compared with 
the average treatment given the root under natural conditions as to soil, moisture, 
and cultivation, was noted. The seed bed was prepared and the seed sown from the 
21st to the 30th of May. Very heavy rains prevailed on June 5 and again on June 
9. All of the seed had germinated by June 11. The average per cent of stand 
June 5 was 10.7; June 24 it was 29; one month later it had reached 61.8 per cent. 
The crop was harvested and analyzed during October. The number of analyses 
made was 60; the jjer cent of sucrose in juice was 14.18; coefficient of purity, 77.30; 
yield per acre, 48,510 pounds. 

The sugar-beet experiments connected with this station during 1894, 1895, 1896, 
and the inauguration of the work of 1897 were under the direction and control of the 
Agricultural Department, the chemist being responsible only for the analytical data. 
In July, 1897, under the redistribution of the powers of the station staff, the rather 
unsatisfactory data thus collected were assigned to tbe chemical department for 
compilation and publication, together with the power of supervision of such experi- 
ments in the future. 

METEOROLOGICAL RECORD. 

The better to understand the possibilities of the sugar-beet industry in the Palouse 
country of Idaho, as well as other experiments that may hereafter be undertaken by 
the station upon the " university farm, "tlie following meteorological data are included 
in this report. We are under obligations to Prof. J. E. Bonebright, meteorologist of 
the station, for the results tabulated : 

Table 11. — Meteorological record for Moscow. 



Month. 



Maxi- I Mini- Average 
mum tern, mum tem tempera- 
peratnre. perature. ture. 



1894. 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

1895. 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

1896. 

April 

May 

June 

-Tuly...... 

August 

September 

October 

1897. 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 



76.0 
86.0 
8-t. 
93.0 
96.0 
85.0 
74.0 



76.0 
8J.0 
96.0 
92.0 
94.0 
84.0 
74.0 



68.0 
84.0 
92.0 
97.0 
93.0 
85.0 
76.0 



63.1 
78.8 
65.6 
82.0 
81.6 
69.9 
66.4 



25.0 
30.0 
32.0 
40.0 
34.0 
32.0 
28.0 



26.0 
30.0 
33.0 
41.0 
33.0 
28.0 
21.0 



26.0 
31.0 
84.0 
14.0 
38.0 
30.0 
28.0 



36.5 
38.8 
46.0 
48.5 
46.4 
38.4 
36.4 



47.40 
57.40 
62.00 
78.00 
70. 50 
58.80 
40.40 



48.10 
51.90 
59.40 
72.70 
74.50 
49.80 
46.10 



42.53 
46.50 
61.10 
70.41 
67.17 
54.65 
46.33 



49.70 



Humid- 
ity. 



53.80 
70.00 
71.50 
59.20 



Per cent. 
76.0 
63.0 
74.0 
65.0 
40.0 
72.0 
85.0 



70.0 
08.0 
52.0 
38.0 
47.0 
70.0 
72.0 



85.5 
61.7 
55.6 
55.4 
72.2 



72.2 



77.4 
45.4 
40.3 
77.6 



Rainfall. 



Inches. 

1.38 

1.53 

L23 

.12 

.25 

.89 

3.70 



1.30 

2.17 

.41 

.90 

.32 

3.33 

Trace. 



.57 
3.60 
2.21 

.17 
1.33 

.81 
L07 



.40 
1.20 
2.72 
.85 
.35 
1.67 
1.10 



Days 
fair. 



Days 
clear. 



Days 
cloudy. 



68 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES, 



Illinois. 

The samples received from the State of Illinois by the Department of 
Agriculture were 32 in number. The average weight of the samples 
was 17 ounces, percentage of sugar 13.1, and the purity 75.5. Twelve 
of these samj^les were from the northern, 8 from the central, and 12 
from the southern belt. 

When judged by the few samples analyzed by the Department of 
Agriculture, it is seen that Illinois presents an exception to the estab- 
lished rule, inasmuch as the beets grown in the northern belt are infe- 
rior to those grown in the central belt. The data, however, are not 
numerous enough to base any certain conclusions upon them, and the 
usual rule is established from the more numerous analyses conducted 
by the agricultural experiment station, as will be seen farther along. 
Summarized, the results obtained at the Department of Agriculture 
from the northern, central, and southern belts in Illinois are as follows: 

Summary of analyses of sugar beets from lUinois. 
[Compiled from analyses of the United States Department of Agriculture.] 



Northern belt 
Central belt . . 
Southern belt 



Number 
of sam- 
ples. 



Average 
weight. 



Ounce*. 
19 
20 
13 



Sugar in 'Purity co- 
beets, i eflicient. 



Per cent. 
12.6 
13.8 
13.2 



76.2 
76.5 
73.3 



At the agricultural experiment station of Illinois, at Urbana, 312 
samples of beets were received and analyzed. The following summary 
shows the analytical data and the distribution of the samples by 
counties : 

Summary of analyses of su<jar beets from Illinois, by counties. 



County. 



Si 



NORTHERN BELT 

Stephenson 

AVinucbago 

McHeury 

Carroll 

Whiteside 

Ogle 

Lee 

Dekalb 

Dupage 

Cook 

Hock Island 

Henry 

liurean 

Lasalle 

Kendall 

Grnudv 

Will..'. 

Mercer 



Ounces, 
20 
18 
19 
20 
22 
23 
16 
20 
21 
24 
16 
18 
33 
22 
14 
18 
28 
17 



a 










a 






w 


PM 


Per ct. 




10.7 


70.0 


13.4 


75.8 


15.1 


84.3 i 



13. 

13.9 

12.6 

13.8 

13.4 

15.6 

14.3 

14.9 

12.7 

10.5 

13.1 

13.8 

13.9 : 

12.9 ' 

12.6 j 



8L4 
79.2 
74.6 
80.6 
78.3 
82.2 
82.7 
82.5 
78.3 
76.5 
76.4 
82.8 
80.2 
74.6 
79.7 



County. 



CENTRAL BELT 

Kankakee 

Henderson 

Knox 

Stark 

Peoria 

Marshall 

Woodford 

Livingston 

Iro(iiioi9 

Hancock 

Fulton 

Tazewell 

McLean 

Ford 

Adams 

Mason 

Logan 

Dowitt 




Otmces. 
24 
22 
20 
10 
24 
18 
22 
17 
20 
17 
17 
20 
24 
24 
17 
19 
29 



Per ct. 
12.9 
9.2 
ILO 
14.4 
13.0 
14.3 
13.3 
14.0 
1L3 
10.6 
11.2 
12.3 
12.0 
10.8 
12.4 
ILl 
9.8 
13.8 






79.3 
70.8 
75.1 
78.3 
80.1 
83.9 
82.1 
82.9 
75.3 
64.0 
77.1 
78.8 
77.6 
77.0 
75.5 
73.7 
69.6 
81.7 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



69 



Summary of analyses of suyar beets from Illinois, by counties — Continued. 



Connty. 



CENTRAL BELT- 

continued. 

Miicon , 

Piatt 

Champaign 

Vermiliou 

Pike 

Scott 

Morgan 

Sangamon 

Christian 

Shelby 

Dougfas 

Edgar 

Calhoun 

Greene 

Macoupin 

Montgomery ... 







fl 




^a 


es.a 


u ^ 




X> ft 








P 03 




t^ 


'Sifl 


;2i^ 


■< 


m 


Oh® 




Ounces. 


Per et. 




1 


18 


8.0 


64.9 


2 


20 


12.7 


81.0 


10 


21 


11.7 


79.6 


2 


19 


11.3 


75.2 


1 


10 


9.6 


69.4 


1 


10 


9.7 


64.3 


4 


22 


10.3 


74.3 


2 


17 


11.2 


76.8 


2 


19 


11.8 


76.5 


3 


21 


10.9 


71.9 


3 

2 


24 
16 


11.2 
12.1 


77.5 
74.9 


2 


14 


9.4 


72.1 


3 


14 


8.5 


68.3 


6 
5 


17 
11 


11.6 
13.0 


72.2 
76.9 



County. 



CENTRAL BELT — 

continued. 
Clark 

SOUTHERN BELT. 

ElHngliaiu 

Madison 

Bond 

St. Clair 

Washington 

Jefferson 

Wavne 

Clay 

Edwards 

Jackson , 

Saline ■ 



>, S= 



Ounces. 
11 



Per ct. 
13.6 



12.6 
10.3 
10.3 
12.3 
11.9 
12. 1 
14.3 
11.8 

8.7 
10.8 

9.3 



73.9 



74.6 
74.0 
80.8 
77.7 
75.2 
85.0 
77.0 
68.3 
58.7 
73.8 
68.9 



The average weight of the beets received was 20 ounces, the mean 
percentage of sugar therein 11.9, and the mean purity 76.4. Distrib- 
uted geographically into northern, central, and southern sections, we 
find each of the sections represented by the number of samples of the 
mean average composition indicated in the following summary: 

Summary of analyses of suyar beets from Illinois. 
[Compiled from the experiment station report.] 



Northern belt 

Central belt 

Southern belt 

Average, etc 



Number 
of 



104 
165 
43 



Average Sugar in Purity co- 
weight, beets. , efficient. 



Ounces. 
22 
20 
19 



20 



Per cent. 
13.2 
11.5 
11.1 



79.3 
75.4 

74.7 



11.9 



76.4 



Here we see the regular rule illustrated, and the beets derived from 
the northern are superior in every respect to those from the central and 
southern belts. It is evident, however, j udged by the data obtained 
during the present year, that Illinois is not so well adapted to the 
growing of high-grade beets as some of the States to the east of it. 
Nevertheless, it is quite certain that, with proper drainage, scientific 
cultivation and fertilization, and good culture, high-grade beets can be 
grown in many of the northern counties of Illinois, and it would prob- 
ably be safe to say that for a distance of 100 miles from the boundary 
between Wisconsin and Illinois the sugar-beet industry could be suc- 
cessfully established where the conditions of soil and factors favorable 

to manufacture are suitable. 

Indiana. 

One hundred and three samples were received at the Department of 
Agriculture from the State of Indiana, representing several different 



70 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

parts of the State, but mostly from the northern portions. The largest 
number of samples, however, from any one county was from Vander- 
burg, iu the extreme southwestern part of the State. The average size 
of the beets from Indiana was small, the j)erceutage of sugar in the beet 
fair, and the purity a little below the minimum for good beets. In 
general, the best beets were grown in the northern portion of the State, 
near or in the thermal beet belt, although a few sami^les received from 
the central and eastern parts of the State were very satisfactory. 
Among the counties furnishing the largest number of samples may be 
mentioned Henry, in the central eastern part of the State, from which 8 
samples were received, having an average weight of 1 7 ounces, contain- 
ing 13.1 per cent of sugar, with a purity of 78.5. The averages for 
Henry County in sugar and purity were almost exactly those for the 
whole State. Three samples from Marion County, iu the central por- 
tion of the State, show excellent results, both in percentage of sugar 
and in purity, and having an average size of a pound. The best results 
are reported from Stark County, in the northwestern portion of the 
State, where the percentage of sugar was 15.7 and purity 81.8. The 
beets, however, from this region were small, the average size being only 
12.8 ounces. The beets received from the agricultural experiment sta- 
tion were very much undergrown, the average weight being less than 7 
ounces. The percentage of sugar in tlie beets was good — 15.1 — and the 
purity also above the minimum. The causes of the poor yield of beets 
are discussed farther on in the report of the chemist of the station. 
The largest number of beets from any one county was received from 
Vanderburg, namely, 40 samples. The people of this county have been 
particularly interested in the industry, and especially to Mr. H. Cordes 
are we indebted for the large number of samples received. In spite of 
the very fertile soil and other favorable conditions of culture, the beets 
had an average size of only 14 ounces, and both the percentage of sugar 
in the beet and the purity were below the minima. In general, it 
may be said of Indiana that the northern portions of the State, where 
the character of the soil is favorable, are best suited to the culture of 
the sugar beet, namely, those portions either lying in the area of favor- 
able thermal conditions, or extending to a varying distance to the 
south thereof and covering the greater portion of the northern part of 
the State. The central counties of the State, judged by the few sam- 
ples received, may also be expected to grow beets of fair quality. A 
more careful agricultural survey of the State is needed, and the data 
above are supplemented by the more valuable data collected by the 
agricultural experiment station under the supervision of the chemist, 
Mr. H. A. Huston. 

NOTES ON SUGAR BEETS RAISED IN INDIANA IN 1897. 

(From Report of H. A. Huston.) 

The early part of the season was fairly lavorable to the growth of the crop. In 
many cases, however, the beets were planted quite late and were much below normal 
Size when the drought came on in August. From the middle of August until the 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



71 



end of the usual growing season very little rain fell. This tended lo produce beets 
of bigh sugar content and small wize. Tbe popular interest in tbo subject has been 
much greater than in previous years and a much better return than usual was 
secured from the seed sent out. 

At three points in the State parties are now engaged in placing contracts for 
sufficient acreage to insure a three years' supply of beets for a 300-ton factory. 
Reports from these localities indicate that the required acreage will be secured. 

Nearly all farmers who have raised experimental crops of beets for the past few 
years report that they believer the crop would be a profitable one at $4 per ton. This 
estimate is based solely on their own experience with the crop. 

Tlie total number of samples analyzed at the agricultural experiment 
station of Indiana was 205. Arranged by counties, the following table 
gives the most important data connected with the analyses: 

Tests of sugar beets grown in Indiana in 1897 under the direction of the Indiana agricul- 
tural experiment station. H. A. Huston and J, M. Barrett. 



County. 



ft <^ 

a bt 



Laket] 

Porter "p 

Laporte "D 

St. Joseph 6 . . 
Elkhart 6 .... 
Lagrange cf.. . 

Starke t] 

Newton tl 

Jasper "D 

Allen cf 

Benton -D 

Wliite "D 

Ciiss i 

Wabaah 6 . . . . 
Huntington cf 

Warren -d 

Tijiperanoe -n. 
Carroll d 



Ozs. 
51 
12 
22 
24 
12 
12 
14 
11 
2 
23 
31 
20 
17 
14 
25 
18 
15 
11 



8.3 I 68.0 



13.7 
9.0 
13.0 
14.8 
16.6 
14.1 
13.7 
17.9 
13.5 
11.2 
10.3 
12.1 
13.0 
11.8 
12.2 
12.5 
12.4 



84.0 
64.3 
85.0 
83.6 
87.4 
85.0 
96.4 
84.4 
82.4 
79.6 
66.0 
77.2 
77.8 
78.0 
83.0 
84.6 
82.0 



o a 
(O o 



County. 



Ozs. 

G rant D ' J 2 

Jay D- 20 

Fountain -o ! 31 

Clinton n | 18 

Boone D 1^! 

Tipton D 20 

Madison n 33 

Randolph D- 24 

Parke -n 8 

Marion n 17 

Hancock n 23 

Henry D- 19 

Morgana 14 

Greene j2 12 

Jackson p 8 

Vanderburg p 15 

17.8 



Averages, etc 



P-.9 
« be 



13.6 
13.3 
10. I 
13.2 
13.6 
13.5 
9.2 
12.9 
10.2 
12.7 
14.0 
12.9 
13.9 
12.8 
10.0 
10.6 



70.1 
79.5 
68.6 
83.2 
82.0 
82.3 
70.2 
79.0 
.56.7 
83.5 
87.4 
78.0 
82.8 
84.4 
72.8 
77.7 






12.6 



0.7 



As will be seen above, nearly all the counties represented are in the 
northern part of the State. Only a few counties are represented in the 
central and southern portions of the State. Making an average of 
the results from the different counties by sections of the State, it is 
seen that they vary considerably, as is shown in the following summary: 

Summary of results. 





Average 
weight. 


Average 

per cent of 

sugar in 

juice. 


Average 

purity 

coeflacient. 


Number 
beets. 




Ounces. 
18.9 
18.5 
14.2 


13.3 
12.9 
10.7 


81.9 
80.7 
78.0 


97 


Central belt 


67 


Southern belt 


41 







72 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

It is seen that there are considerable areas in the northern part 
of the State where both soil and climatic conditions are extremely 
favorable to the culture of the sugar beet. The proximity of these 
counties to Chicago insures a market for all the products of the fac- 
tory. In many cases these counties are situated in or near the gas area 
of the State, so that fuel is comparatively cheap. All of them are 
within easy distance of the great coal tields of Indiana, and the supply 
of water and Ihnestone is abundant. It is evident, therefore, that all 
the conditions favorable to the growth and manufacture of the beets 
exist in the northern part of the State of Indiana, and there is no rea- 
son to doubt the speedy foundation and healtlij' growth of the industry 
in that locality. 

Iowa . 

The thermal conditions for the growth of beets in Iowa are fiivorable 
over almost the whole of the State from north to south. The southern 
counties are probably a little too Avarm for the best results, aud the 
northern counties too nuich exposed to severe cold weather during 
harvest time. 

One hundred and thirty samjiles of beets were sent directly from 
Iowa to the Department of Agriculture for analysis. 

In the results as tabulated by counties it will be observed that a 
great many of the counties are represented by a single sample, and 
therefore it is not possible to base any conclusions on the work done 
in respect of the j^ossibilities of growth of beets in such counties. 
Benton County sent samples, with an average weight of 16 ounces; 
13.S per cent of sugar in the beet, with a purity of 70.9. Clintou 
County furnished 5 samples. The beets were very small, averaging 
only 11 ounces. The content of sugar was high, namely, 16.8 per 
cent, and the jnirity low, 75.8. Greene County sent 39 samples of good 
size, namely, 21 ounces: rather low content of sugar, namely, 12.7 per 
cent, and a low purity, namely, 76.3. Guthrie County sent 6 samples of 
good size, namely, 23 ounces; rather low conten.t of sugar, 12.5 per cent, 
with a purity of 78.8. The averages for the 130 samples from the 
State are as follows: Weight, 18 ounces: sugar in beets, 13.3 per cent; 
purity, 73.7. 

Under the direction of the agricultural experiment station of the 
State, in cooperation with this Department, a large number of samples 
of seed was distributed, and 642 samples of beets sent to the station 
for analysis. Following is an abstract of the report of Prof. C. F. 
Curtiss, director of the Iowa station : 

Total number of samples analyzed, 642. 

One and seven-tenths per cent of the samples contained 17 per cent 
or more of sugar: 73 per cent of these had a purity coethcient of 80 
or above, and 50 per cent of these samples weighed 14 ounces or above. 

Four and three-tenths per cent of the samples contained 16 per cent 
and over of sugar and less than 17 per cent; of these samples SO per 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY ]N TPIE UNITED STATES. 



73 



cent had a purity coefticieiit of 80 degrees or above, and 2.9 per cent 
weighed 14 onnces or above. 

Twenty-two and three-tenths per cent of the samples contained 14 
per cent or over of sugar and less than IG per cent; of these samples 
50 per cent had a purity coeflQcieut of 80 or above, and G2 per cent 
weighed 10 ounces or above. 

Forty-one and four-tenths per cent of the samples contained 12 per 
cent and over of sugar and less than 14 per cent; of these samples 
14.7 per cent had a purfty coefficient of 80 or above, and 69 per cent 
weighed 10 ounces or above. 

Sixty-nine and three-ten tbs per cent of the total number of samples 
contained 12 per cent or more of sugar. 

The above i)erceiitages are based on the weight of the juice. 

The mean weight of the samples received at the Iowa station was 10 
ounces, the mean per(;entage of sugar In the beet 12.4, and the mean 
l^urity 70.0. The results by counties are given in the following table: 

Analyses of sugar hcets <jrown in Litca and analyzed hy the Iowa agricultural expei-iment 

station. 



CountY. 



Adair 

Adams 

Allamakee.. 
Appanoose . 
Audubon . . . 

Benton 

Black hawk . 

Boone 

Bremer 

Buchanan . . 
Buena Vista 

Butler 

Calhoun . . . . 

Carroll 

Cass 

Cedar 

Cherokee . . . 
Chickasaw . 

Clay 

Clayton 

Clinton 

Crawford ... 

Dallas 

Davis 

Decatur 

Delaware . . . 
Dickinson . . 
Dubuque ... 

Fayette 

Floyd 

Franklin ... . 

Fremont 

Greene 

Grundy 

Guthrie 

Hamilton . . . 

Hancock 

Hardin 

Harrison . . . 

Henry 

Howard 

Ida 

Jasper 

Jeflerson 



Average 




Purity 


weiifht 


Sugar. 


coet- 


j)er root. 




ficient. 


Ounces. 


Per cent. 




I'J 


13.40 


77.45 


21 


13.26 


75. 30 


•20 


14. 20 


78.87 


8 


10.11 


82.80 


16 


13. 09 


78. 36 


21 


13. 30 


76.68 


17 


13.98 


79.64 


17 


13. 33 


76.81 


U 


11.24 


78.71 


15 


14. 21 


76.25 


19 


13. 02 


77.70 


13 


10.77 


74.45 


12 


15.80 


81.46 


22 


12. 34 


75.51 


22 


12. 03 


75.34 


21 


12.56 


74.48 


19 


13. 34 


77.01 


15 


13. 34 


75.54 


17 


12.08 


74.06 


23 


13.48 


78.47 


17 


15.81 


78.97 


23 


10.55 


68.24 


23 


13. 4C 


79.33 


14 


15.78 


73. 94 


12 


14.14 


79.27 


18 


13. 23 


75.76 


21 


12. 81 


75.16 


17 


14.14 


69.76 


17 


14.62 


80.33 


24 


12. 77 


75.01 


17 


12.62 


73. 23 


19 


12.15 


71.37 


19 


13. (14 


77.42 


23 


12.00 


73.91 


22 


12. 60 


74.98 


21 


12. 58 


75.24 


18 


11.92 


75.84 


19 


12.88 


77.01 


17 


12.05 


76.57 


26 


14.24 


78.64 


18 


13.33 


77.48 


21 


12.79 


77.49 


23 


13.06 


76.86 


12 


12.36 


76.27 



County. 



Johnson 

Jones 

Keokuk 

Kossuth 

Linn 

Louisa 

Lyon 

M^adison 

Marion 

Marshall 

Mills 

Mitchell 

Monona 

Montgomery .. 

Muscatine 

O'Brien.. r 

Osceola 

PafoA-ito". '.'.".'.! 

Plymouth 

Pocahontas 

Polk 

Pottawattaiiiio 
Poweshiek . . .. 

lliuggohl 

Scott 

Shelby 

Sioux 

Story 

Tama 

Taylor 

Union 

Wapello 

Warren 

Washington ... 

Wayne 

Webster 

Winnebago 

Winneshiek . . . 

Woodbury 

Worth 

Wright 

Average . 



Average 
weight 
per root. 



Ounces. 
20 
17 
23 
25 
17 
10 
19 
18 
21 
22 
19 
20 
27 
25 
20 
16 
14 
23 
22 
26 
20 
22 
19 
20 
17 
16 
24 
28 
22 
17 
11 
15 
19 
20 
21 
13 
18 
22 
19 
20 
18 
15 

19 



Sugar. 



Per cent. 
12.54 
14.05 
14.06 
12.58 
12.08 
12.05 
14.07 
12.55 
12.86 
12.51 
12. 94 
12.37 
13.80 
12.33 
14.44 
14.38 
14.16 
12.50 
12. 88 
12.49 
11.76 
12.96 
13.04 
12.87 
12.54 
13.73 
13.43 
12.44 
12.30 
12.55 
11.82 
13.98 
13.70 
13.62 
13.84 
15.15 
12. 57 
12.21 
13.57 
12.72 
13.34 
12.22 



12.98 



Purity 
coef- 
ficient. 



76.98 
77.52 
76.46 
77.26 
74.02 
74.54 
79.33 
74.34 
74.06 
74.85 
76.94 
76.21 
80.87 
76.52 
80.92 
92. 77 
81.48 
74. 22 
106. 85 
79.39 
78.46 
76.09 
78.13 
77.52 
75.53 
76.59 
78.58 
73. 79 
76. 51 
77.04 
70.39 
76.54 
76.74 
75.79 
77.84 
70.92 
76.14 
76.87 
76.42 
74.34 
78.77 
75.48 



76.56 



74 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The rcvsults contained iu the above table are not as satislactory as 
would be expected from tlie location of Iowa in respect of thermal 
and other climatic influences. The poor results obtained are due 
either to the seasonal influences, whicb might have been particularly- 
bad for the season in question, or to some iinsuitability of the soil 
or climate to the production of higli grade beets. In general, it has 
been observed that soils particularly ri( h in hiimus and of a black 
color do not produce as high-grade beets as sandy and somewhat lighter- 
colored soils. The character of the subsoil afid of the stratum under- 
lying it must also be taken into consideration before we can have an 
idea of the condition of aeration of the soil and the possibilities of the 
roots of the beets extending to the proper depth. It is fortunate that 
the agricultural experiment station of Iowa will continue these experi- 
ments in a more careful manner and under more efficient control of 
the station or some of its representatives. It is evident that with the 
possible exception of the southern tier of counties a large portion of 
the State of Iowa with favorable soil conditions should produce beets 
of high saccharine strength. The causes which have depressed both 
the content of sugar and the coefficient of purity should be carefully 
investigated. 

Kansas. 

Several years ago extensive experiments in growing beets in Kansas 
were made at Medicine Lodge, and accounts of the work are given iu 
former bulletins on this subject. At that time it was stated, in dis- 
cussing the results, that the climate of Kansas was particularly unfa- 
vorable to beet culture. The extremely dry weather to which much of 
the State is frequently subjected, in conjunction with the hot winds 
which sweep over the vast plains almost every year from the southwest, 
renders the growth of the beet extremely precarious. At times excel- 
lent beets can be grown ; in fact, beets of fine character were produced 
at the time mentioned at Medicine Lodge. It is not to be expected, 
however, that from year to year beets of high grade can be growni in 
sufficient quantities to warrant the building of factories iu the State. 
Nevertheless, considerable interest is taken in the work by the farmers 
in various parts of the State, and also by the agricultural college and 
experiment station. Forty-one samples were received by the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. The average size of these samples was rather 
large, namely, 27 ounces. The sugar content was low, 11.4 per cent, 
and the purity quite low, 73.8. While it is evident that large quanti- 
ties of sugar can be made from beets of this character, it is also plain, 
without argument, that such a quality of beets would not be able to 
compete with those grown in more favorable localities. 

The agricultural experiment station of Kansas, in cooperation with 
the Department of Agriculture, also conducted a series of experiments 
and received for analysis 157 samples. A detailed report of this work 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



75 



will -be found in the bulletins of the agricultural experiment station of 
Kansas, and the following' summary sufficiently indicates the character 
of the results obtained. The number of samples analyzed was If.!. The 
average net weight of the beets received was 17 ounces; the average 
content of sugar in the beets, 11.9 per cent, and the average coefficient of 
purity of the juice, 77. The percentage of the whole number of beets 
containing 13 per cent of sucrose or over was 15.2. The percentage of 
beets containing 13 per cent of sugar or over, having a coefficient of 
purity of the juice of 80 per cent or over, was 67. The percentage 
of beets containing 13 per cent and over of sugar and weighing 16 
ounces or more, net, was 42. 

The analyses made at the agricultural experiment station of Kansas 
have been consolidated and tabulated by counties. The table of 
analyses follows : 

Summary of analyses of beefs from Kansas. 
[Compiled iroui report of experiment station.] 



County. 



Alleu 

Atchison 

Barber 

Barton 

Bourbon 

Brown 

Butler 

Chase 

Cheyenne 

Clay 

Cloud 

Cofley 

Crawford 

Do 

Dickinson 

Doniphan 

Douglas 

Edwards 

Elk 

Ellsworth 

Finney 

Franklin 

Geary 

Graham 

Grant 

Harvey 

Do 

Jackson 

Jefferson 

Jewell ■ 

Johnson 

Labette 

Lane 

Leavenworth . 

Lincoln 

Logan 



a 


m 


_^ 


^ 


r^ 


A 


■5 


ft 


bu 


c to 


H 




■^p, 


03 


^ 


sia 








kt> 


-^ s 




a 


a"" 


•a 






? 


t> 


Jz; 


'A 


^- 






Ozs. 


10 


1 


14 


17 


2 


17 


14 


2 


12 


4 




34 


8 




5 


10 




21 


22 




18 


6 




14 


10 




17 


37 




28 


%i 




20 


4 




20 


12 




14\21^ 

28/ ''n' 


3 




20 




17 


15 




24 


11 




20 


6 




12 


14 




21 


5 




17 


G 




19 


G 




16 


6 




13 


31 




18 


6 




16 


G 




5 







14 


14 




20 


6 




15 


40 




19 


14 




18 


3 




20 


26 




4 


22 




12 


16 




28 


10 




19 



Per ct. 
10.64 
12.61 
14.91 
10. 35 
13.88 
11.29 
10.86 
11.61 
12.14 
11.21 
11.65 
15.13 
13.87 



12.29 
13.67 
12. 48 
11.12 
14.04 



14.14 
11.86 
9.51 
12.83 
15.47 



12.83 
11.17 
11.82 
11. 12 
14.23 
8.76 
10.17 
12. 75 
11.38 
11.40 



2 =■ 

£ P. 



72.0 
79.5 
72.5 
74.0 
75.0 
81.0 
70.8 
77.0 
79.9 
78.0 
79.2 
78.0 
82.0 



77.0 
84.0 
77.5 
71.0 
83.0 



County. 



74.0 
77.0 
70.0 
76.0 
78.0 



78.0 
7.3.0 
76.0 
77.3 
83.0 
C7. 
68.5 
79.0 
79.6 
76.0 



Lyon 

Marion 

Marshall 

McPherson 

Montgomery. . 

Morris 

Nemaha 

Osage 

Osborne 

Ottawa , 

Pawnee 

Phillips 

Pottawatomie 

Pratt 

Rawlins 

Keno 

Kepublic 

Rice 

Riley 

Rooks ; 

Rush 

Russell 

Saline 

Sedgwick 

Shawnee , 

Sheridan 

Smith 

Sumner 

Waubauusee. . 

Wallace 

Washington . . 

Wichita 

Wilson 

Woodson , 

Wyandotte . . . 



« 7) 



■< 



Ozs. 
16 
16 
25 

7 

15 
15 
23 
16 
16 
22 

4 
19 
IG 

8 
16 
12 
18 
14 
21 
16 
20 
10 

9 
12 
15 
21 
28 
18 
15 
19 
27 
14 
14 

7 
14 



Per ct. 
13. 29 
11.23 
12. 20 
13.08 
11.39 
14.01 
10.30 
12.17 
12.39 
12.90 

8.52 
12. 10 
12.20 
12.19 

9.57 
13.78 
10.69 
11.71 

8.98 
13.39 
11.88 
11.49 
15.78 
11.23 
12.19 
11.59 
11.12 
13.38 
12.14 
11.58 
10.79 
U.24 
13.12 
14.32 
14.11 



79.5 
71.8 
79.4 
76.0 
74.6 
74.5 
74.2 
77.2 
70.0 
78.2 
70.0 
79.5 
83.6 
75.0 
73.0 
79.5 
74.5 
74.5 
70. 3 
80.5 
77.0 
71.0 
84.0 
74.0 
77.3 
78.5 
78.0 
76.0 
77.5 
76 
75. 2 
79.0 
81.0 
73.0 
75.0 



The data obtained at the Kansas station corroborate in every respect 
those secured at the Department of Agriculture. It is evident that 



76 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

fairly good beets can be grown in Kansas, and there are doubtless 
seasons when exceptionally rich beets might be secured. In general, 
however, it maybe said that there is no immediate prospect of the suc- 
cessful establishment of the sugar-beet industry in that State, unless it 
might be in some of the extreme western or northwestern counties, where 
irrigation might be practiced, and where the altitude is sufficiently high 
to secure a lowering of the temijerature. One of the great causes of 
danger, however, is found in the hot southwest winds, which frequently 
blow over the State with disastrous couseiiuences at the period when the 
crops are growing most rapidly. It will be seen that in many instances 
individual analyses obtained in Kansas are extremely satisfactory, as 
for instance, in Elk County, where two samples, including 14 different 
beets, showed au average weight of 21 ounces, an average content of 
sugar in the juice of 14 per cent, and an average purity of 83. Another 
sample is found in Saline County, wliere 16 beets, forming two samples, 
showed a sugar content of 15.8 per cent in the juice, with an average 
purity of 84. In this case, however, the beets were very much under 
size, the average weight being only 9 ounces. When, however, the 
data received from the counties are compared with similar data from 
the State of New York, the discrepancy observed is so great as to 
indicate, without further elucidation, the proper locality where the first 
development of the sugar-beet industry should be looked for. 

In the light of our previous experiments, it must be evident that 
high-grade sorghum, developed from cai-efully selected seeds, has a 
better prospect in Kansas of being a profitable sugar-producing plant 
than the sugar beet. 

Kentucky. 

Oidy a few samples, with the exception of those sent by the experi- 
ment station, have l)eeu received from Kentucky. This State being 
situated far south of the theoretical sugar-beet belt, it is not to be 
expected that the results of the analyses would be particularly encour- 
aging. The mean weight of the six samples received was 16 ounces, 
the mean percentage of sugar 11.9, and the purity 71.5. The six sam- 
ples included four from the experiment station. The beets received 
were small, and tlie percentage of sugar only a trifle under the mini- 
mum which is advisable for profitable sugar making. The purity, 
however, is excessively low, and this seems to be characteristic of beets 
grown too far south, the purity coefficient usually falling in a more 
rai)id proportion than the content of sugar. 

Large numbers of samples were received from the experiment sta- 
tion in addition to those analyzed above, which were grown upon the 
special plot, which will be mentioned later on, and under the most 
favorable conditions of culture. The beets which were sent to the 
De])artment were of good size and mostly of a favorable shape, but the 
analytical data were very disappointing, falling a great deal lower than 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 77 

wagexpected. Mue samples of White Improved Imperial Elite, planted 
May 8 and harvested December 9, bad an average weight of 33 ounces, 
with 4.9 per cent of sugar. Three samples of original Kleiuwanzlebener 
had an average weight of 23 ounces, with 10.8 per cent of sugar. Six- 
teen samples of Vilmorin's Improved had an average weight of 25 
ounces, with 6.4 per cent of sugar. Thirty-nine samples of the Demes- 
may variety had an average weight of 29 ounces, with 5.3 per cent of 
sugar. All of these beets were somewhat overgrown, but not suffi- 
ciently so to account for the extremely low percentage of sugar. A 
large additional number of samples had been selected for analysis, but 
the results of the preceding analyses were so discouraging as to render 
the further prosecution of the analytical work unnecessary. This sub- 
ject will be mentioned again when the experiments in the specially 
cultivated plots with high grade seeds are discussed. 

Maryland. 

All the analyses of the samples of beets grown in Maryland were made 
in the laboratory of this division, the agricultural station at College 
Park not having undertaken any work of this kind. The whole num- 
ber of samples received from the State was 29. The mean size of the 
beets was 19 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beets 11.4, 
and the mean purity of the juices 79.1. In respect of size, the samples 
from Maryland are about the mean. The purity of the juice is almost 
up to the minimum standard, but the percentage of sugar in the beet 
is about 0.6 less than is advisable for manufacture. 

In regard to climatic conditions, as has been before intimated, the 
State of Maryland occupies a somewhat peculiar position. There is a 
considerable area along the eastern shore, next to the ocean, where the 
average summer temperature is 71°. In the western part of the State, 
after a long deflection to the north, the isotherm of 70° may again be 
found. Lying immediately south of the isotherm of 71°, in the north- 
ern portion of Maryland, are found some very fine valley lands where 
the conditions of culture may be considered favorable. These lands 
are underlaid by limestone, which in many cases comes to the surface. 
Theoretically they are a little too warm for the most successful culture, 
but lying so near the favorable thermal belt there may be reasonable 
hopes of successful culture iu many localities. In the western portion 
of the State, where the thermal conditions are favorable, we find the 
mountain ranges, and the low temperature of the summer is due to the 
high elevation. The quantity of table lands ujion the toi)S of the moun- 
tains, however, is not sufficiently great to warrant the expectation of 
the founding of a great industry. There is no doubt, however, of the 
possibility of growing very rich beets on these table lands. In general 
it may be said that the State of Maryland is not very favorably situated 
for the culture of sugar beets, but there are circumscribed localities 



78 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

■witliiu the State where it is desirable to conduct further experiments. 
It is therefore earnestly hoped that the agricultural experiment station 
of the State will make a more careful agricultural survey of the possi- 
bilities of the culture of sugar beets therein. 

Michigan. 

The southern peninsula of Michigan is favorably situated for the 
culture of sugar beets, both in respect of thermal conditions and rain- 
fall. The soil is also for the most part well suited to sugar-beet culture. 
In going northward, however, it becomes more sandy until finally the 
pine regions are reached, where a soil without fertilization would not be 
sufficiently rich to produce large crops. The well-known tendency of a 
sandy soil, with proper meteorological conditions, to produce beets of a 
high purity is well illustrated in the samples which have been received 
from Michigan. In all, 450 samples from the State were sent to this 
laboratory for analysis, 400 of them being from Saginaw County and 
grown under the supervision of Messrs. Higgins & Lenders. 

In regard to the results from particular counties, attention should be 
called to the fact that the samples from Allegan were all enormously 
overgrown, the average weight of the beets being 62 ounces and the 
corresponding content of sugar and the coefficient of purity low. The 
results from Calhoun County, in the southern part of the State, are par- 
ticularly favorable, the average weight of the samples being 17 ounces, 
average content of sugar in the beet 15.8, and the average purity 83.2. 
The greater part of the samples having come from Saginaw County, the 
average data for this county are almost the same as those of the State, 
with the exception that the purity is considerably higher. The average 
composition of the 400 samples from Saginaw County was as follows : 
Average weight, 22 ounces; sugar content in the beet, 14.8 per cent, 
and purity, 83.3. For the whole State — 450 samples — the average 
weight was 22 ounces, average sugar content 14.7 per cent, and average 
purity 81.1. 

The agricultural experiment station of Michigan, in cooperation Avith 
the Department of Agriculture, also made an extensive series of inves- 
tigations, a resume of which is given below : 

RESULTS BY COUNTIES OF THE CULTIVATION OF SUGAR BEETS IN MICHIGAN IN 

1897. 

The following table is given containing the nnmbcr of samples sent to the station 
from each county, the average per cent of sugar in the juice, and coefiScient of purity 
of all samples sent. Seed was distributed in sixty-eight counties, and from the table 
below it will be seen that samples have been received from sixty-fonr of them. The 
average per cent of sugar in the Juice of beets of the whole State, wh''n grown on 
the proper kind of soil and from the right kind of aoed, is 16 40, and the coefficient 
of i»urity is 84. An average of 16.40 per cent of sugar for the whole State, far 
exceeding the best districts in France and Germany, is both surprising and gratifying.' 

'These data are obtained by omitting from the table the analyses of samples 
which were known to have been grown under unfavorable conditions. — H. W. W. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



79 



Analyses of sigar heets grown hi Michigan and analyzed by the Michigan agricultural 

experiment station. 



County. 



Alger ... 
A Hey an . 
Alpeua.. 
Antrim . 
Areuac. 
Baraga. . 
Barry . . . 

Bay 

Berrien . 
Branch.. 
Calhoun. 



Charlevoix 

Clare 

Clinton 

Crawford 

Eaton 

Emmet 

Genesee 

Grand Traverse . 

Gratiot 

Hillsdale 

Huron 

Ingham 

loiiia 

Iosco 

Iron 

Isabella 

Jaokson 

Kalamazoo 

Kalkaska 

Kent 

Lapeer 

Leelaiiaw 

Lenawee 

liivingston 

ilackinac 

Macomb 

Manistee 

Mason 

Me('osta 

Menominee 

ilidland 

Missaukee 

Monroe 

Montcalm 

Muskegon 

Newaygo 

Oakland 

Oceana 

Ontonagon 

Osceola 

Otsego 

Ottawa. 

Saginaw 

St. Clair 

St. Joseph 

Sanilac ■ 

Shiawassee 

Tuscola 

Van Buren 

Washtenaw 

Wayne 

Wexford 



Total 
number 

of 
samples. 



1 
3 
2 
2 
8 
1 
4 

10 
■A 
3 
6 
2 
7 
2 
4 
1 
h 
1 
6 
7 
6 
2 
6 

;)C 

•4 
6 

1 

4 
7 

17 
2 

16 
2 
3 
5 
2 
1 

11 
6 
5 
4 
6 
2 
1 
2 
2 
9 

13 
7 

11 
4 
2 
1 

14 
127 

31 
1 

11 
4 
1 
4 
4 
9 
9 



Sugar in 
juice. 



Per cent. 
14.22 
15.67 
15.01 
15.97 
16.77 
14.10 
14.90 
15.53 
17. 83 
16.62 
15.82 
15.44 
17.58 
16.80 
15.89 
15.25 
17.50 
15. 02 
14.75 
15.75 
16.09 
16.71 
17.47 
16.43 
16.36 
13.18 
18. IS 
14. 09 
19.74 
15.45 
16.91 
15.55 
17.71 
18.77 
15.96 
14.34 
1«.22 
16.11 
17,09 
16.54 
16.67 
16.58 
17.62 
15.79 
16.41 
17.64 
16.03 
16.11 
15.29 
16.54 
15.15 
16.55 
18.00 
16.47 
15.99 
17.53 
12.16 
18.15 
16.89 
18.94 
13.82 
16.10 
16. 12 
14. 59 



Coeffi- 
cient of 
purity. 



Samples 
rejected 
for bad 
soil or 
seed. 



Number 

of sam- Sugar in 
pies on juice in 
right soil 1 such 
and prop- samples, 
er seed 



5 
4 

6 
2 
1 

2 
2 
9 

12 
6 

11 
4 
2 
1 

14 
123 

30 
1 

11 
4 
1 
4 

44 



Total 

Average 



Per cent. 
14.22 
15.67 
15.01 

15, 97 
16.77 
14.10 
14.90 
16.00 
17. 83 
16.62 
15.82 
15.44 
17.58 
16.80 
16.05 
15.25 
17.50 
15.02 
16.14 
15.91 
16.09 
16.71 
17.47 
16.53 
16,36 
14.22 
18.18 
16.41 
18,16 
15,87 
16,91 
15.85 
17.71 
18.77 
15.96 
14.34 

16, 22 
16,91 
17.09 
16.54 
16.67 
16,58 
17.62 
15,79 
16,41 

17, 64 
16.03 
16.54 
16.26 
16,54 
15.15 
16.55 
18.00 
16.47 
16.13 
17.64 
12.16 
18.15 
16.89 
18.94 
13.82 
16.10 
17.08 
15.25 



Coeffi- 
cient of 
2)urity. 



80 
82 
85 
76 
81 
84 
87 
84 
84 
82 
87 
84 
86 
81 
83 
82 
84 
83 
83 
84 
85 
87 
82 
79 
80 
82 
86 
82 
83 
84 
84 
89 
85 
80 
85 
83 
84 
85 
81 
84 
86 
84 
84 
83 
85 
81 
83 
86 
79 
85 
90 
83 
84 
83 
76 
86 
83 
89 
80 
84 
85 
81 



Five samples from Oceaua County are iiot included in results of analyses, because 
they were dried and damaged by keeping. 



80 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Interesting" data in regard to cost of culture were obtained at the 
Michigan station. The plats were planted on the 8th of May, and 
harvested on the 6th of October. After throwing the dirt away from 
the beets by a j)low they were pulled by hand and the leaves and stems 
removed. Owing to the deep subsoiling and thorough preparation of 
the ground, the beets were found wholly embedded in the soil, none of 
them having been pushed above the surface. The average weight of 
the beets before the removal of the necks was about 2^ i)ounds. The 
following table gives the total labor, calculated to 1 acre, required for 
growing and harvesting the beets: 



Man and 
team. 



Man. 



Hours. 

12.00 

3.75 

.80 



Sours. 



Plowing and subsoiling 

HaiTo^\iug 

Marking 

Planting ' 3.25 

Cnltivating 15.00 

Tliinning and hoeing 75.90 

Harvesting T , 4.60 130.75 



36.15 1 209.90 



The hand labor in harvesting was performed by boys at 8 cents an 
hour. The work of hoeing and thinning was performed by men at 12^ 
cents an hour. The cost of team Avork is computed at 25 cents an hour 
for man and team. On the above basis, the total cost of planting, culti- 
vating, and harvesting an acre of beets at the Michigan Experiment 
Station was $20.40. The yield per acre, the percentage of sugar in the 
juice, and the purity for each variety grown are shown in the following- 
table : 



Variety. 



Wohanka 

Inijuoved Klein wanzlebener 

Original Klein w.anzlebener 

Government Kleiuwanzlebener . 

Lal'lius lliche 

Government Klt^inwanzlebener . 

Hocrning'n Improved 

F!oli)'s Improved 

Kleiuwanzlebener on muck 



Yield per 
acre. 



Pounds. 

23, 615 
25, 678 
27, ;!fi8 
25, 648 
29, 205 
32, 327 

24, 500 
20, 200 



Sugar. 



Per cent. 
15.22 
16.40 

18.27 
17.78 
18.78 
17.78 
15. 20 
13. 21 
12.96 



Purity. 



Full details of all the experiments conducted in Michigan by the 
agricultural experiment station are found in Bulletin No. 150 of that 
station, issued in December, 1807, by Director C. D. Smith and Chemist 
E. C. Kedzie. 

The study of the two sets of data secured at the Department of Agri- 
culture and by the agricultural experiment station of Michigan is suf- 
ficient to demonstrate the fact that the southern peninsula of Michigan 
has great possibilities for the deveh^pment of the sugar-beet industry. 
When it is remembered that the most of those who grew the samples 
had had no previous ex])erience in the matter, that no systematic 
fertilization was attemptetl, and that in many instances the soil was 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 81 

improperly prepared, the remarkably favorable results obtained are the 
more couviucing. It is evident that all the southern portion of the 
Southern Michigan Peninsula, in conjunction with the northern part 
of Indiana, forms an area in which the future will see a remarkable' 
development of the sugar-beet industry. 

Minnesota. 

Forty-nine samples from the State of Minnesota were received for 
analysis at the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. The 
mean weight of the samples received was 24 ounces, the mean percent- 
age of sugar in the beet 11, and the mean purity coefficient 79.2. 

Great variations are shown in the samples received from difterent 
parts of the State. One of the best series of results was obtained from 
Freeborn County, in the southern part of the State, from which twelve 
samples were received, having an average weight of 20 ounces, an 
average content of sugar in the beet of 14.1 per cent, and an average 
coefficient of purity of 82.3. 

Another good series of samples, though less in number, was from 
Ottertail County, in the western part of the State, from which four 
samples were received, having an average weight of 23 ounces, a mean 
content of sugar in the beets of 14.9 per cent, and a mean coefficient of 
purity of 82.1. The general average from the State was lowered by a 
large number of very poor samples, which evidently had been grown 
under extremely unfavorable conditions. 

The period of growth in Minnesota, while a little short, is neverthe- 
less favorable from other considerations, especially in the southern and 
eastern portions of the State. Toward the northwestern portion of the 
State the rainfall is somewhat uncertain, and the autumn is perhaps a 
little too cold. As has been intimated before, the chief difficulty in 
Minnesota in the establishment of the beet-sugar industry is not in 
securing a proper growing season, but in having a sufficient time to 
properly harvest and protect the beets. The sudden, and often early, 
advent of winter in the northern and western portions of the State will 
be the cause of difficulties of a serious nature in the harvesting and 
siloing of the beets. These are factors which intending investors will 
do well to carefully consider. In general, the conditions of growth are 
so favorable as to warrant the careful studj^ of the soils of the State by 
the agricultural experiment station with a view to selecting those locali- 
ties where the conditions of culture are most favorable. In a State of 
such vast area it is far better to determine those restricted sections 
where the conditions are most favorable rather than try to establish 
the industry indiscriminately in every portion of the State. 

In cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, the agricultural 
experiment station of Minnesota conducted an extensive series of cul- 
ture experiments in various parts of the State. The general results 
of the experiments are indicated in the report of the chemist of th?. 
station, which follows. 
H. Doc. 396 6 



82 



BEET-SUGAI4 INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF 

MINNESOTA. , 

The seed from which the beets were grown was obtained from a variety of sonrces. 
Some procnred seed from the stock which the legislature directed the (State treas- 
urer to purchase. About 100 pounds of seed were obtained from the United States 
Department of Agriculture and distributed by the experiment station. Some seed 
was obtained direct from Germany, while a few obtained seed from seed dealers and 
other sources. As a rale, the seed Avas of good quality. Only a few instances of poor 
seed were reported. There was but little difference as to the quality of the beets 
produced by the seed furnished by tlie State and by the Department of Agriculture. 
At the experiment station the average of four plots of Klein wanzlebener beets grown 
from State seed showed 17.5 per cent sugar, with a purity coefficient of 86.7, while the 
average of four plots of Kleinwanzlebener beets grown from United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture seed gave 17.4 per cent sugar and a purity coefficient of 87.8. 

The past season has not been one particularly favorable to the production of the 
highest quality of beets. It has been the most unfavorable season in nine years. 
As a whole, however, the results have been satisfactory, aiul I consider them of 
unusual .value, because they indicate the quality of the beets which are produced 
in an unfavorable rather than a favorable season. 

At the experiment station the average of those plots which were grown under 
normal conditions gave a sugar content of 17.4 per cent and a purity (ioefficient of 
87.3. 

There is one factor in our favor which I think has been overlooked in considering 
desirable locations for sugar-beet factories, and that is, we have never lost a sugar- 
beet crop from hot, dry winds, which occasionally occur in some of the prairie 
States. 

About thjee hundred samples of beets have been tested during the season. In 
many cases the results were lower than they would have been if the beets had been 
properly cultivated. In one of the tables the results are given of some of the beets 
which have been grown under abnormal conditions. In one case twenty-five min- 
utes' time was spent on a quarter acre of beets, while in another case the seeds were 
planted five inches. These results, while they possess no value as indicating the 
quality of sugar beets which may be produced in a locality, are nevertheless valua- 
ble, because they emphasize the importance of the right kind of cultivation for 
sugar-beet production. 

Sugar beets grown at the Minnesota Experiment Station. 





No. 

plot. 


No. 

tests. 


Sugar. 


Purity 
coeflicient. 


Average 
weight. 


Highest results: Kows 18 inches apart and beets 4 






Per cent. 
18.5 

14.2 

16.0 

15.8 

15.9 

17.4 


Per cent. 
92.5 

78.0 

86.1 

85.5 

85.4 

87.3 


Ounces. 
12.8 


Lowest results : Rows 30 inches apart and beets 10 






18.4 


Average of rows: 

24 and ;iO inches apart and beets 4 to 6 inches in row. 
24 and 30 inches apart and baets 6 to 10 inches in 


8 
8 
8 
8 


16 
16 
16 
16 


15.1 
14.9 


14 and 18 Incheo apart and beets 8 and 10 inches in 


14.1 


14 and 18 inches apart and beets 4 and 6 inches in 


1L6 







The cultivation of the beets was under the supervision of the Agricultural Divi- 
sion. The analyses were all made by the chemist of the station. 

The analytical data obtained are summarized from the details of the 
chemist's report in the following table: 

Total number of analyses reported 143 

AA'crage weight of the beets (ounces) 17 

Average per cent of sugar in the juice 13. 8 

Average coefficient of purity 81. 8 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 83 

Tile classification of results is made in several portions, namely, 
analyses of miscellaneous samples from the State at large and analyses 
of special samples from definite localities. In the analyses of mis- 
cellaneous beets collected from different parts of tlie State, with the 
excej)tion of those specially mentioned below, thirty-four samples were 
examined. The mean weight of the beet is not given in this table of 
analyses. The mean percentage of sugar in the juice is 14.25 and the 
mean purity coefficient 82. 

Sixteen samples grown at Mankato, Minn., showed an average weight 
of 21.9 ounces, a mean percentage of sugar in the juice of 12.8, and a 
purity coefficient of 80.2. 

Ten samples grown at Winton and Stockton had an average weight 
of 17.1 ounces, contained 13.7 per cent of sugar in the juice, and had 
a purity coefficient of 81.9. 

Eighty- three samples grown at Albert Lea had an average weight of 
16.6 ounces, contained 13.8 per cent of sugar in the juice, and had a 
purity coefficient of 82.1. 

In general, it will be observed that the results obtained on the samples 
sent directly to the station were better than those secured at the lab- 
oratory in Washington. Upon the whole, the results of the work done 
at the experiment station are eminently satisfactory, especially as they 
were accompanied with the statement of the director that the condi- 
tions were the most unfavorable, for the development of a crop of sugar 
beets, which had been known in the State since the commencement of 
the experiments in this direction, in 1888. 

The results of the analyses of the beets grown at the station are 
extremely satisfactory. The average weight of the beet, to be sure, is 
somewhat low, but this doubtless was due to an unfavorable growing 
season. The mean percentage of sugar in the beets grown in different 
Idiots is exceptionally fine, and the coefficient of purity in one instance 
is higher than could reasonably be expected with the best kind of 
culture. Only in one of the plots cultivated on the station are the 
results unsatisfactory, and in this case it is the coefficient of i)urity 
especially which has fallen below the standard. 

Missouri. 

Very extensive experiments were made in Missouri, about 4,000 sam- 
ples of seed having been distributed, and over 600 returns made. 
There were sent directly to the Department of Agriculture 324 sam- 
ples, detailed analyses of which are found in the preceding tables. 
The average weight of the samples received was 20 ounces. The mean 
percentage of sugar in the beet was 11.7 and the mean purity 73.5. 
Many individual samples from the State show excellent qualities, but 
reliable judgment, as intimated before, can only be based upon large 
numbers of analyses. Among the counties furnishing beets of high 
quality may be mentioned Barton, in the southwestern part of the 
State. Three samples were received from this county, all of them of 



84 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



rather large size and fine content of sugar, the mean size being 27 
ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 15.3 per cent; only the 
purity in all cases was a little low, the mean being 77.3. Benton 
County, in the center of the State, also showed good results, five sam- 
ples having an average weight of 16 ounces, an average sugar content 
of 15.5 per cent, and an average purity of 77.1. The best single sam- 
ple received was from Pulaski County, in the center of the State, the 
percentage of sugar being 18.3, the purity 86.1; but the weight was 
low, namely, only 12 ounces. 

Two hundred and ninety-nine samples of beets were sent directly to 
the agricultural experiment station of Missouri and analyzed in the 
laboratory of that station. The mean results, by counties, obtained on 
analysis are given in the following table: 

Summary of analyses of hects grown in Missouri. 
[From Keport of Missouri Experiment Station.] 



County. 



Adair 

Andrew 

Audrain 

Barry 

Barton 

Bates 

Benton 

Boone 

Buclianan . . 

Butler 

Caldwell . . . 
Callaway... 

Carroll 

Cass 

Cedar 

Chariton ... 
Christian .. 

Clark 

Clay 

Cooper 

Crawlord... 

Dade 

Dallas 

Dekalb 

Dent 

Douglas 

Franklin . . . 
Gasconade . 

Gentry 

Greene 

Grundy.... 
Harrison . . . 

Henry 

Hickory 

Holt 

Howell 

Iron 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefl'erson . . . 

Johnson 

Knox 

Laclede 

Lafayette . . 
Lawrence . . 

Lewis 

Lincoln 

Linn 






^^ 



Ozs. 
29 

22 
32 
24 
41 
22 
16 
29 
34 

8 
35 
33 
28 
22 

7 
16 
32 
54 
36 
19 
20 
30 
16 
46 
10 

4 
30 
19 
31 
20 
18 

6 
25 
24 
29 
28 
13 
36 
27 
17 
22 
46 
19 
25 
24 
25 
42 
28 



o " 

a 
ifi 


sag, 


Per ct. 




14.31 


82.89 


12.16 


76.76 


7.10 


56,66 


12.85 


73.96 


16.97 


81.62 


11.56 


70.82 


18.19 


86.30 


8.19 


63. 78 


12.20 


81.88 


6.47 


58. 23 


12.99 


80.16 


12.45 


76.45 


11.08 


75.03 


16.36 


84.75 


11.08 


78.86 


12.35 


74.24 


11.14 


67.86 


12.80 


77.76 


8.87 


67.16 


8.43 


61.09 


11.95 


81.27 


10.56 


67.95 


14.06 


74.95 


10.11 


70.40 


14.51 


72. 60 


15.19 


88. 68 


9.31 


70.81 


10.88 


68.60 


12.68 


75.42 


12.27 


77.17 


12.16 


71.11 


18.45 




11.05 


66.76 


11.88 


76.66 


10.26 


73.29 


13.10 


78.18 


13.11 


79.76 


12.14 


79.28 


11.04 


72. 57 


10.71 


66.73 


11.90 


72.54 


12.81 


74.87 


12.36 


68.62 


11.45 


74.08 


12.12 


78.06 


15.60 


82.27 


7.94 


57.18 


12.28 


72.21 



County. 



Livingston 

McDonald 

Macfn 

Madison 

Maries 

Marion 

Mercer 

Mississippi 

Monroe 

Montgomery 

New Madrid 

Nodaway 

Oregon 

Ozark 

Perry 

Pettis 

Phelps 

Platte 

Pike (average) 

First harvest.. 

Second harvest 

Kandolph 

Kay 

Saline ". . . 

Schuyler 

Scotland 

Scott 

Shannon 

Shelby 

St. Charles 

St. t;iair 

St. Fi'ancjois 

St. Louis' 

Stoddard 

Sullivan 

Taney 

Texas 

Vernon 

Warren 

AVashington 

Wayne 

Webster 

Worth 

Wright 

Total and 
meau 



sg 



u tm 



Ozs. 
12 
19 
14 
20 
28 
32 
44 
24 
11 
21 
20 
42 
20 

6 
16 
24 
13 
27 
21 
21 
21 
16 
44 
21 
25 
20 
26 
12 

8 
58 

6 
22 
27 
16 
26 
15 
13 
36 
36 
28 
22 
14 
34 
13 



So 



W 



Per ct. 

9.75 
13.83 
14.11 
13.07 
12.95 

9.76 
13.51 
10.57 

7.71 
12.62 
12.30 
n.66 

8.37 
13.81 
14.06 
10.05 
1L31 
12.11 
10.14 
10.94 

9.34 
14.30 
10.95 
13.74 
15.74 
15. 51 

9.70 
11.94 

7.87 
11.21 
21.02 

9.68 
13.53 
14.79 
16.08 
13.08 
14.33 
13.17 

8.07 
10.71 
13.08 
13.12 
11.35 
14.01 



28 ; 11.1 



70.34 
80.05 
70.89 
71.85 
78.92 
69.32 
80.22 
75.00 
57.57 
78.11 
79.03 
72.61 
67.12 
77.15 
74.86 
65.67 
75.56 
74.74 
75.55 
76.81 
74.30 
80.17 
72.40 
76. 39 
82.30 
79.46 
66.43 
76.10 
76. 26 
78.36 
92.19 
61.90 
82. 80 
74.19 
85.92 
74.95 
78.47 
80.30 
60.48 
73.71 



80.58 
73.13 
83.24 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



85 



Of the whole number of samples, the percentage of those containing 
13 per cent or more of sugar in the beet was 245 the percentage of 
these beets with a sugar content of 13 per cent or over having a purity 
coefficient of 80 or over was 83 ; the percentage of the number of beets 
containing 13 per cent of sugar which had a purity coefficient of 80 or 
over and weighing IG ounces or over was 68, 

The average percentage of sugar in the beet for the whole number 
of samples examined at the station was 11.1. The average coefficient 
of x)urity 74.0, and the average weight in ounces 25. A tabular com- 
parison of the mean results obtained by the Missouri station and in the 
laboratory of the Department will be interesting: 





Total 
uumber 
of sam- 
ples. 


Average 
weight. 


Sugar in 
juice. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 




324 
301 


Ounces. 
20 

28 


Per cent: 
11.7' 
11.1 


73.5 




71.9 







As will be seen above, there is a remarkable agreement between the 
mean results obtained in the two laboratories. The average size of the 
samples received at Washington was smaller than that of the beets 
analyzed at the agricultural experiment station of Missouri, and this is 
doubtless the cause of the slightly increased mean percentage of sugar 
obtained in the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. A general 
study of the results obtained leads to the inevitable conclusion that 
Missouri is not very favorably situated for producing beets of the high- 
est quality. It is possible to secure, in some instances, results which 
are exceptionally favorable, but that such results could be secured con- 
tinuously, and from season to season, is not probable. The data show 
that the whole State of Missouri belongs in the same category, in respect 
of growing rich sugar beets, as the southern parts of the States of Ohio, 
Indiana, and Illinois. Even the northern counties of Missouri are too 
far south to give the best results. It is evident, however, in so far as 
yield is concerned, that Missouri is probably the equal of any State in 
the Union for growing beets of fine size and large tonnage per acre. 
Unless exceptional conditions favorable to manufacture are found in 
the State, it is not probable that the sugar-beet industry will gain a 
foothold for some time in competition with the more favorable local- 
ities farther north and east. 

Montana. 

Only four samples were received from the State of Montana at the 
laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. The average weight of 
the samples was 20 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 
14.4, and the mean i^urity coefficient of 77.8. 

Analyses were also made by the agricultural experiment station of 
Montana. Fifteen analyses were made of samples grown on the 



86 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

grounds of the station. The average weight of the samples was 14.8 
ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 16.2, and the mean 
coefficient of purity of the juice 81.9. Thirty samples grown in the 
Gallatin Valley had a mean weight of 22 ounces, a mean content of 
sugar in the beet of 13.7 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 
76.4. Eiglit samples grown at Livingston had an average weight 
of 24.7 ounces, with a mean sugar content of 13.8 per cent in the beet, 
and a coefficient of purity of 74.3. Nine samples from Kalispell had a 
mean weight of 32 ounces, a mean content of 13. 5 per cent of sugar in 
the beet, and a mean coefficient of purity of 76.2. Four samples of 
beets from Missoula had an average weight of 32 ounces, a mean per- 
centage of sugar in the beet of 12, and a mean coefficient of purity of 
73.6. Four samples of miscellaneous origin had an average weight of 
23 ounces, an average sugar content in the beet of 12.7 per cent, and a 
coefficient of purity of 74. The v/hole number of samples analyzed by 
the agricultural experiment station of Montana was 70, with a mean 
weight of 23 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 14.7 per 
cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 77. 

The results obtained at the experiment station show what can be 
done by careful culture, and indicate that Montana, under proper con- 
ditions, is capable of producing a fairly good sugar beet. The data in 
general are sufficiently encouraging to warrant the agricultural experi- 
ment station of the State in making a more thorough and careful agri- 
cultural survey of the possibilities of beet production. 

Nebraska. 

Thirteen samples grown in Nebraska were received at the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of the samples 
received was 29 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 12.9, 
and the mean purity coefficient 76.9. The studies which have been made 
in Nebraska have been so thorough in previous years that it would not 
be advisable to make any deductions from so small a number of samples 
as was analyzed. In connection with the work done at the Dej^artment, 
the following report of the chemist of the agricultural experiment sta- 
tion of Nebraska^ may be considered : 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN NEBRASKA. 

We distributed seed to 433 persons. Of these 158 responded, either by sending 
beets or written communication, or both. Of the 158, 106 returned samples of 
beets for analysis; 52 reported failure to secure crop. Of the 52 reporting fail- 
ures, 14 said that the seed failed to germinate; 14 ascribed failure to dry weather; 24 
gave various reasons for failure, 13 stating that the croj) was destroyed by grasshop- 
pers; 4 lost their crop by reason of stock incursions, and 7 through general neglect. 

Putting these figures in the form of percentages: 3i3.4 per cent of those receiving 
seed responded in some way ; 67 per cent of those who reported to us sent beets for 
analysis; 26.9 per cent of failures were attributed to dry weather; 26.9 per cent of 
failures were attributed to poor seed ; 25 per cent of failures were caused by grass- 
hoppers; 7.7 per cent of failures were caused by cattle; 13.4 per cent of failures 
were caused by general neglect. 

The results of analyses showed an average of 12.34 per cent of sugar in the juice 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 87 

witli a parity coefficient of 75. The highest per cent of sugar in juice was 16.8 with 
a purity of 78.5. The lowest was 4.6 per cent with a purity coefficient of 45. 

Beet seed was sent into sixty-seveu counties and beets were received from thirty- 
six counties. 

The average results obtaiued agree very closely with those secured 
iu the laboratory of the Department of Agriculture. 

So long a time has elapsed siuce sugar-beet growing was commenced 
iu Nebraska on a large scale that it is possible to form some idea of 
the adaptability of that State for beet growing. The soils of Nebraska 
are mostly very fertile, with a fairly level surface, and are well suited in 
this respect to beet culture. The climatic conditions, as will be seen 
by consulting the map, are somewhat variable, and the rainfall in parts 
of the State is scant and in all parts of it very uncertain in respect of 
distribution. Periods of extremely wet weather are apt to alternate with 
long droughts. Hot winds may be expected over many parts of the 
State during the period of most rapid growth, and these winds are 
extremely injurious to all kinds of vegetation. The winters are apt to 
come on early and with severity, rendering the harvesting season some- 
what precarious. There is no doubt of the fact that good beets can be 
grown under favorable conditions iji Nebraska, but the uncertainties of 
the season are such as to indicate that there will not be a very 
rapid expansion of the industry in that State until more favorable 
areas have been thoroughly exploited. For details iu regard to 
Nebraska the reports of the agricultural exj^eriment station of 
Nebraska, at Lincoln, may be consulted. For about eight years this 
station has been engaged in the study of this question, and has pub- 
lished numerous and valuable bulletins, many of which can still be 
obtained by applying to the director of the station. 

Nevada. 

A large portion of the State of Nevada, in fact the whole of the 
northern and western parts, lies within the thermal area suitable to beet 
culture. Twenty-one samples of beets were received at the Department 
of Agriculture from Nevada, the average weight of which was 25 ounces, 
the average content of sugar iu the beet 16.6 per cent, and the average 
coefficient of purity 81.1. These samples all came from the parts of the 
State lying within the favorable thermal area. The agricultural experi- 
ment station of Nevada, at Eeno, also made an investigation of the 
possibilities of growing beets in that State, and has submitted a report 
on the subject. In all, twenty-two samples were received at Reno for 
analysis, the average weight of which was 25 ounces, and the average 
content of sugar 16.9 per cent, the purity not being given. These data 
show a remarkable agreement with those obtained by the Dej^artment 
of Agriculture. The beets were grown entirely under irrigation. Some 
of them, however, received ouly one irrigation and others as high as five. 

The results obtained at the station itself were in the highest degree 
satisfactory. The total number of samples grown and analyzed at the 



88 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

station was ten, the mean weight of the beets was 19 ounces, and the 
mean percentage of sugar 18.9, ijurity coefficient not given. 

Mr. Stubbs, the director of the station, in submitting his report, 
states that he distributed 90 pounds of the seed received from the 
Department to thirty farmers residing in fifteen counties. Only five of 
the thirty farmers sent samples for analysis. One reported failure from 
stock breaking into the field and destroying the crop; one, failure from 
lack of water, and one stated that the samples of seeds sent him did 
not arrive. Mr. John Harrison reports that there are 20,000 acres of 
land in a single body such as he used for growing his beets. 

All the samples sent to the De]>artiuent of Agricluture by Mr. Harri- 
son, ten in number, were from Humboldt County ; the average weight 
of the samples was 21 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beets 
18.8 per cent, and the mean coeflicieiit of purity 83.1. It is evident 
that, if such beets as these can be grown in that locality, the 20,000 
acres of land suitable to beet culture would suffice to maintain a large 
factory, which must of necessity prove eminently successful if fuel, 
limestone, and water can be had in sufficient abundance and sufficiently 
cheap to operate it. The cultural results in Xevada are of the high- 
est significance. This State, which is devoted chiefly to mining, has 
very small agricultural interests, but if a few areas capable of irriga- 
tion^ like that at Lovelocks, in Humboldt County, can be found, Xevada 
should become a beet i)roducing State. The establishment of this agri- 
cultural industry could not fail to be of immense benefit to the Com- 
monwealth. There is no other State in which the reports are more 
favorable, althougii it may be said that the number of samples is not 
sufficiently large to carry absolute conviction. Nevertheless, the uni- 
form excellence of the samples can not be the result of accident, but 
must have been due to the favorable influences of soil and climate. 
The agricultural experiment station of this State will do well to make 
a more careful survey, and especially to map out the localities where 
the contour of the State is suitable to beet culture and where water 
can be obtained. 

New Jersey. 

As has been before stated, New Jersey is traversed from the south 
toward the north by the mean isotherm of 71° for the three summer 
mouths. A portion of it is therefore within the theoretical tliermal 
belt for beet growing, in general, it may be said, however, tluit the 
temperature will be found a little too warm to secure the best results. 
On the other hand, the soil of New Jersey is of a sandy nature, suited 
to the growth of a beet with a high purit}'. 

The data which have been collected during the season from New Jer 
sey are encouraging. The whole number of samples received from the 
State was 31, the average weight 16 ounces, the mean content of sugar 
in the beet 14.2 per cent, and the coefficient of purity 81.4. Essex and 
Mercer counties each furnished seven sami)le8; the results in Essex 
County were fairly good, but in Mercer County were poor. Ocean 



BEET-SU(,AR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



89 



Cotinty furnished eight sainj)les, Avith a high average percentage of 
sugar and purity coefficient, but with a weight only half the normal. 

Ko investigations were made by the experiment station of ISTew Jer- 
sey, but Mr. James B. Vredenburgh, of Jersey City, conducted some very 
careful exi>eriments at Freehold, in Monmouth County. The following 
report of Mr. Vredenburgh is interesting and contains valuable data. 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN NEW JERSEY. 

May i'O, 1S97. — I had ouc-qnarter acre clover sod plowe<l and prepared for plantiug. 

May 22. — I had phiuted four kinds of beet seed, viz, a strip of 111 by 2 feet 9 
inches or seven oiie-tiiousaudths of an acre in imported Vilmorin. 

A similar ytrip in imported Klein wanzlebener; a similar strip in Government seed, 
and the balance of the qnarter acre in cattle beets. 

I fertilized the whole plot eqnally with 300 pounds of jthosphate. I weeded the 
beets twice, cultivated them five times, and gathered them November 1. 

1 had one of each kind analyzed each week, commencing August 3, by an expert 
chemist, the result of which I herewith inclose : 





Varieties. 


W^eigbt. 




When 

gathered. 


Without 
topa. 




Pow«d.s. 
258 
279 
236 


Pounds. 
239 




258 




220 







The Vilmorin, therefore, produced at the rate of 17^ tons to the acre, without tops; 
the Government, 18 tons to the acre without tops; Kleinwanzlebener, 15 tons to the 
acre without tops. 

It will be seen that by far the best result came from the Vilmorin, the purity of 
the juice in the analysis of November 1 being 88.20. 

This latter result was from an average of three beets, one small, one middle size, 
and one large. 

The cost of the labor, fertilizer, etc., on the one-quarter acre was about $15. 

Mesulis OH farm at Freehold, Monmouth County. 



3897. 

Aug. 30 

* 30 

Sept. 8 

8 

15 

15 

15 

20 

27 



Oct. 



Nov, 



Marked. 



No mark 

do 

do 

do 

Government 

Kleinwanzlebener . 

Vilmorin 

No mark (Jack) — 

(ioverument 

Kleinwanzlebener . 

Vilmorin 

Government 

Kleinwanzlebener 

Vilmorin 

Government 

Kleinwanzlebener , 

Vilmorin 

Government 

Kleinwanzlebener . 

Vilmorin 

Government 

Kleinwanzlebener , 
Vilmorin 



Weight of the beet. 



With 
top on. 



Pounds. 
■ 1.171 
1.384 
1.481 
1.251 
2. 093 
1.704 
i. 724 
0.587 
4.391 
4.491 
4. 292 
2.097 
1. 633 
1.876 
1.662 
2. 234 
1.706 
1.583 
2.415 
2.150 
2.313 
1.380 
1.270 



With top 
cut off. 



Pounds. 
1.088 
1.161 
1.108 
1.000 
1.545 
1.329 
1.311 
0.505 
2.923 
3.000 
3.058 
1. 700 
1.225 
1.479 
1.474 
1.770 
1.474 
1.373 
2.037 
1.715 
1.757 
1.000 
0.958 



Percentage of 
sugar. 



In the 
beet. 



10.45 
11.15 
11.75 
11.85 

9.80 
11.40 
12.40 
14.30 
10.40 
10.10 

9.90 
12.40 
12.00 
13.80 
11.50 
12.30 
14.20 
13. 50 
11,90 
14.30 
12.40 
13.10 
14.30 



In the 
juice. 



11.30 
12.50 
12. 55 



10.60 
12.00 
13.10 
15.60 
11.25 
10.35 
10.55 
13.25 
13.10 
14.10 
12.75 
12.75 
15.65 
14.50 
12.70 
14.95 
13.50 
13.80 
15.35 



Puritj' co- 
efficient. 



80.14 
83. 30 
79.40 



80.60 
83. 90 
84.50 
83. 40 
81.50 
77.24 
78.47 
84.30 
82.40 
86.10 
80.20 
81.70 
84.10 
82.00 
81.90 
83.50 
78.00 
83.10 
88.20 



90 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Excluding the analyses made before the 20th of September, which 
would be anterior to the manufacturing season, aud including all of 
those made after that date, we find that the sixteen samples analyzed 
had an average weight of 27 ounces, a mean content of sugar of 12.5 
per cent, and a mean purity of 82.3. These data, obtained by Mr. 
Vredenburgh, in conjunction with those secured from the analyses of 
the samples forwarded to Washington, indicate the possibilities of suc- 
cessfully establishing the industry in the State on the lauds which are 
particularly suited thereto. As before stated, however, the danger from 
a slightly too high temperature must be expected, and wliile good 
beets, capable of yielding high percentages of sugar, and with high 
purities, may be grown in New Jersey, it is scarcely probable that they 
will reach as high a grade as those grown farther north. 

New Mexico. 

Only three sami)les grown iu New Mexico were received at this 
laboratory for analysis. These were all grown in Mora County by the 
La Cueva Ranch Company. The average size of these samples was 
small, but the content of sugar and the coefiicient of purity of the juice 
were high. In connection with this work the report of the director of 
the agricultural experiment station will be found of interest. 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN NEW MEXICO. 

Table 1. — Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the New Mexico Experiment Station 

prior to October 25, 1897. 



Locality. 



New Mexico Agricultural Experimeut Station, Mesilla Park 

Harvested Sept. 15 

Harvested Oct. 14 

Blue Water: 

Harvesied Sept. 8 

Harvested Sept. 30 

Albuquerque 

Santa Fe _ 

Cerro 

Dorsey 

Chapliam 

'r ularosa 

Anthony 

Maxwell City 

Hatch 

Socorro 

Lordsburg 

Blossburg 

Aztec Suoexperiment Station 

Averages, etc 



Kumber 
of sam- 
ples ana- 
lyzed. 



Average 

weight of 

beets. 



Pounds. 
1.21 
1.53 

1.38 
1.G3 
1.73 
1.06 
1.04 
l.CO 
1.60 
1.98 
1.18 
2.77 
2.35 
.48 
.55 
3.55 
1.85 



Average 

per cent 

sugar in 

the juice. 



1.61 



11.02 
12.47 

10.50 
12. 70 
13.16 
14.10 
17,03 
12.60 
15. 10 
11.20 
11.50 
14.15 
11.50 

15. 50 

16, 20 
10, 80 
14, 60 

13.18 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



91 



Taijlk 2. — Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the New Mexico Experiment Station 
between October 25 and November 15, 1897. 



Locality. 



Aztec Subexperiment Station 

Farmington 

Jewett 

Blue Water 

Perea ■ 

Las Vegas 

East Lasvegas 

Pine Spring 

IJaton 

Maxwell City 

Dorsey 

Wagonmound 

Hatch 

Santa Fe 

Hobart 

Lacueva 

Cerro 



Averages, etc . 



County. 



San Jnan . . . 

do 

do 

Vr.lencia 

B:rnaliIlo .. 
San Miguel . 

do 

Lincoln 

Colfax 

do 

do 

do 

Doua Ana . . 

Santa Fe 

do 

Mora 

Taos 



Number 
of aam- 
Ijles ana- 
lyzed. 



Average 
weight. 



Pounds. 
1.5 
1. !) 
1.9 
3.5 
2.7 
2.8 
3.2 
1.5 
2.1 
1.7 
1.1 
1.6 
1.7 
1.0 
1.9 
1.1 
1.5 



1.7 



Average 
lier cent 
sugar in 
thejuice. 



16.8 
17.6 
13.5 
10.6 
12 5 
13.5 
15.1 
13.5 
13.1 
15. 3 
15.4 
13.9 
16.5 
15. 9 
14.9 
17.6 
18.6 



15.3 



Table 3. — Analyses in the chemical laboratory of the New Mexico Experiment Station 
between November 15 and December 20, 1897. 



Locality. 



New Mosico Agricultural Experiment Station, 
Mesilla Park. 

Harvested Nov. 16 

Harvested Dec. 15 

Sample came in not marked 

Watrous 

Lacueva 

Los Lunas 

Blue Water 

Roswell 

Hagerman 

Santa Fe 

Espanola 

Jewett 

Las Vegas Subexperiment Station 



Averages, etc . 



County. 



Dona Ana 



Mora 

do 

Valencia 

do. 

Chavez 

Eddy 

Santa Fe 

do 

San Juan . . . 
San Miguel . 



Number 




Average 


ot sam- 


Average 


per cent 


ples ana- 


weight. 


sugar in 


lyzed. 




thejuice. 




Pounds. 




31 


1.7 


13.9 


27 


l.G 


13.9 


1 


1.5 


17.4 


1 


.8 


12.0 


2 


1.1 


15.6 


1 


2.5 


14.5 


4 


1.2 


13.8 


3 


1.7 


13.8 


3 


1.2 


13.5 


3 


.8 


18.0 


5 


1.6 


14.1 


1 


2.2 


13.0 


1 


1.6 


17.6 


S3 


1.6 


14.1 



Our work is still in an incomplete condition, as we liave not had time to estimate the 
coefficient of purity and consider some other poiuts in connection with these analyses. 
I beg to call your attention to the fact that nearly all of the beets analyzed here were 
grown by farmers who had had no previous experience in growing beets, and whose 
habits of farming are extremely loose. We can say definitely that if these beets 
had been grown under such conditions as would be expected to obtain upon a well- 
regulated farm, the results would have been very much more satisfactory. We know 
that the conditions under which the most of the samples grew on the station farm 
here were not of the most satisfactory kind, as we are trying experiments on time 
of planting, time of harvesting, variety testing, deep and shallow plowing, different 
modes of irrigation, etc. It is now established beyond a doubt that New Mexico 
can grow large crops of sugar beets, containing a very high percentage of sugar. 

Located at Eddy, in the southeastern part of the Territory, there is already estab- 
lished a sugar-beet factory, doing a successful and profitable business. 

In the northern portions of the Territory coal is comparatively cheap, and the 



92 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

completion of a railroad now in process of building will very materially cheapen 
coal in the southern part of the Territory. 

Limestone seems to be scattered pretty well throughout the Territory, and while 
we have not had time to go fully into this subject, the few analyses that Ave have 
made indicate that the Territory affords limestone of a very good grade. We have 
just taken a survey of the limestone and waters of the sugar-beet districts. The 
question of water is engaging our attention, too ; and we believe that water of fairly 
good quality can be secured. 

There is a lively interest taken in sugar-beet work in all parts of the Territory, 
and from the tables herewith inclosed the most favorable locations can easily be 
selected. Particular attention should be called to the Kio Grande Valley, especially 
the northern portion, and the Animas Vallej". This latter has an extensive and 
abundant suj)ply of very good water, but at present no railroad. This valley seems 
to be a verj^ promising section for the production of sugar beets. See Aztec and 
Farmington in the tables. 

The soils of the Territory contain, I think, about the average amount of nitrogen 
and phosphoric acid and about the usual amount of potash. They have a decided 
advantage over the soils in the rainfall districts, because the fertility is largely kept 
up by the jilant food contained in the irrigating water, and nearly all that once gets 
on the soil remains, as very little, indeed, is lost by leaching and drainage. 

We expect to publish a bulletin about the Ist of February, giving our results in 
detail. 

The analyses which were made by the chemist of the agricultural 
experiment station of the samples received by him are classified in 
accordance with the time at which they were made. Ninety-six analy- 
ses made prior to October 25 showed an average weight of the samples 
of 26 ounces, with an average content of sugar in the beet of 12.5 per 
cent. The purity coefficient of the juice is not given. 

Forty samples analyzed between the 25th of October and the 15th 
of November had an average weight of 27 ounces, with an average 
content of sugar in the beet of 14.5 i^er cent, the purity coefficient 
not being stated. 

Eighty-three samjjles analyzed between November 15 and December 
20 had an ^average weight of 20 ounces, and an average content of 
sugar in the beet of 13.4 per cent. The purity was not given*. 

It is evident that there are many localities in New Mexico where the 
conditioiis of temj)erature are most favorable to the growth of beets. 
There are also large areas of fairly level land which are capable of irri- 
gation. Wherever the temperature of these regions is sufficiently low 
to permit the proper development of the beet, and where sufficient 
water for irrigation can be secured, there is reason to believe that the 
industry may be established and prove to be fairly profitable. While 
tlie summer days in New Mexico are not so long by an hour or more as 
in the regions farther north, the amount of sunshine which the growing- 
beet will receive is practically as great as in more northern localities, 
because of the comparative absence of cloudy and rainy days. The 
remarks which have already been made in regard to the growth of 
beets on irrigated areas apply to New Mexico. This is a subject which 
demands the most careful scientific study, and the work which is now 
doing by the agricultural experiment station of the Territory is certain 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 93 

to bear excellent fruits in the near future. New Mexico is provided 
with a beet-sugar factory in the extreme southwestern i^ortion of the 
Territory, and thus a jiractical demonstration of the possibilities of 
beet growing can be luade. It is difficult to secure definite data from 
this factory, but from tlie meager rej^orts received it is believed that 
the season's work has hot been so successful as had been expected from 
the results obtained during the preceding year. Accounts have been 
received of a mold or fungus attacking the beets, and it is also evident 
that the true principles of irrigation have not yet been thoroughly 
worked out. There should not, however, be anything discouraging in 
accidents of this kind, as the conditions, upon the whole, are such as 
to warrant the expectation of final success. 

New YoiiK. 

On January 16, 1804, in addressing the New York Farmers Club on 
the subject of beet sugar, I used the following words: 

The plateaus of the great West subject to irrigation are especially suited to the 
production of sugar beets. The same is true of the lands of certain portious of 
Nebraska and Dakota, of Iowa, Minnesota, aud Wisconsin, of northern Illinois, Indi- 
ana, Ohio, and New York. Recently, in passing over the A'alley of the Genesee River, 
I was particularly struck with the quality of the soil and its suitability to beet cul- 
ture. The valley of the Genesee is only a type of Iiundreds of thousands of acres in 
New York which could be profitably devoted to beet culture. 

At that time practically no experiments had been made to determine 
the suitability of the soil and climate of New York for producing high- 
grade beets. In fact, not until the last year has any systematic attempt 
been made to ascertain the capabilities mentioned above. In the spring 
of 1896, in conversation with a committee of the board of trustees of the 
agricultural experiment station at Geneva, I urged upon them the 
desirability of studying the capabilities of New York for beet produc- 
tion. In 1897 the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the 
experiment stations at Geneva and Ithaca, conducted a series of inves- 
tigations throughout the State of New York, which has given data of 
extraordinary interest and importance. 

The climatic conditions, as respects temperature and rainfall, affecting 
the State of New York have already been discussed. It has been seen 
that there are two areas in which the thermal conditions are particu- 
larly favorable, separated by a large area where the mean summer 
temperature is less than 69°. It has already been pointed out, how- 
ever, that a lower temperature than 69° is still highly favorable to the 
production of beets of superior excellence if coupled with conditions 
which i)ermit their maturity and harvest in time to avoid the severe 
frosts of winter. These conditions exist in a marked degree through- 
out the whole of the region in New York lying between the Hudson 
Eiver on the east aud the Great Lakes on the west, excluding the 
extreme northern portion, where the altitude and mountainous char- 
acter of the country preclude the possibilities of beet culture. The 



94 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

whole of the area named, therefore, where the contour is favorable and 
the character of the soil suitable may be regarded as a prospective area 
of sugar-beet culture. 

SAMPLES RECEIVED AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

From the seed distributed to farmers in different parts of the State, 
225 samples of beets were received at the Department of Agriculture 
for analysis. The mean weight of these samples was 21 ounces, the 
mean percentage of sugar in the beet 15, and the mean coefficient of 
purity 82.4. Every county in the State reporting results showed favor- 
able data. The counties having the largest number of samples of 
course gave data which are the most instructive. 

Cattaraugus County supplied 15 samples, with a mean weight of 18 
ounces, a mean percentage of sugar in the beet of 15.1, and a mean 
coefficient of purity of 81.9. 

Chautauqua County furnished 45 samples, with a mean weight of 21 
ounces, a mean sugar content in the beet of 16.6 per cent, and a mean 
coefficient of purity of 82.7. 

Erie County sent 37 samples, having a mean weight of 19 ounces, a 
mean content of sugar of 15.9 per cent in the beet, and a mean coeffi- 
cient of purity of 83.9. 

Oneida County was the source of 22 samples, with a mean weight of 
14 ounces, a mean sugar content of 13.6 per cent, and a mean coefifi 
cient of purity of 81.8. 

Ontario County furnished 22 samples, having a mean weight of 17 
ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beets of 15 per cent, and a mean 
coefficient of purity of 83.4. 

Yates County supplied 15 samples, having a mean weight of 23 
ounces, a mean sugar content of 12.7, and a mean coefficient of purity 
of 79.6. 

The uniformly good properties of so large a percentage of samples 
collected in the promiscuous way made necessary by the method of 
the experiments show beyond question the favorable auspices under 
which they must have been grown. 

In addition to the special plot work on high-grade beets which was 
conducted under the supervision of the Geneva station, cooperative 
work by the Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the 
farmers of the State, was also carried on. From the whole number of 
packages of seed distributed by the station, 135 samples of beets were 
received for analysis, and the results obtained, without distinction of 
locality, are shown in the following report of Director Jordan : 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN NEW YORK. 

The number of samples reported is 135, which came from a sufficient number of 
points in the State to make them fairly representative of the conditions prevailing. 

I make no report to you of the production, because in most instances, whenever 
the tonnage was reported, the figures appeared to us to be unreliable because of the 
methods used in reaching them. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 
Kleinwanzlebener. 



95 



Beets con- 
taining 
sugar. 


Number 
of sam- 
ples. 


Average 

per cent 

sugar in 

beet. 


Coeffi- 
cient of 
purity. 


Average 
■weight of 
one beet. 


Per cent. 








Ounces. 


11-12 


4 


12 


76.5 


20 


12-13 


11 


13 


75.4 


18 


13-14 


10 


13.8 


80 


14 


14-15 


11 


14.7 


80.3 


17 


15-16 


15 


15.8 


84.3 


14 


16-17 


11 


16.5 


85.3 


16 


17-18 


13 


17.6 


85.2 


14 


18-19 


3 


18.5 


85.9 


13 



Vihnorin Improved. 



Number 


Average 
per cent 


Coeffici- 


Average 


of 


ent of 


weight of 


samples. 


beet. 


purity. 


one beet. 








Ounces. 


3 


11.7 


75 


16 


5 


12.8 


76.7 


24 


9 


13.8 


82.4 


19 


8 


14.8 


83 


16 


17 


15.6 


82 


16 


9 


16.6 


87.5 


15 


6 


17.8 


85.4 


18 


2 


18.6 


83.8 


24 



My chief anxiety with regard to the development of the sugar-beet industry in 
New Yorlc is that farmers shall not reach unwarranted conclusions concerning the 
profits of their side of the work. I have no reason to helieve that the industry will 
prove more profitable to our farmers than the production of several crops which we 
are now growing. I recognize, of course, the benefits of adding to our list of crops 
another one which will have a ready cash market. 

There appears to be a move all over the State for the establishment of factories at 
desirable centers, and promoters are already in the field who are, as a rule, urging 
the farmer to invest in beet sugar-factory stock. I am very much afraid that there 
will be serious misdiiection of capital, which will not only cause the farmer to 
lose money, biit seriously disappoint him in regard to the benefits from growing 
sugar beets. My judgment is that the matter should be discussed by those who take 
the lead in the matter in the most conservative way, and both farmers and business 
men should be severely cautioned to proceed slowly and only after extended and 
careful investigation. 

A carefully grown crop of sugar beets yielded on the experiment station farm 
this season at the rate of 16J tons per acre, carrying 1.5.2 per cent sugar in the 
beet and 16 per cent in the juice. No dependence should, in my judgment, be placed 
upon the reports of yields of 25 and 30 tons per acre of high-grade beets in this 
State. 

In studying the report of Director Jordan we see that of the Klein- 
wanzlebener variety only four samples out of the whole number fell 
below the minimum of 12 per cent of sugar in the beets, and of the 
Vilmorin variety only three. This is without doubt a remarkable show- 
ing of excellence, in so far as the content of sugar is concerned. The 
caution of Director Jordan to proceed carefully in this matter, and 
with a due study of the factors, is perfectly in harmony with the tenor 
of the reports which have been issued by the Department of Agricul- 



96 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ture, ou the subject of beet sugar, from time to time during- the -past 
fifteen years, and is deserving of careful consideration, both by intend- 
ing investors and farmers. Our reports have constantly dwelt upon 
the danger of misdirected enthusiasm and failure to study properly all 
the factors entering into any enterprise connected with the manufacture 
of sugar. 

The agricultural experiment station of Cornell University, at Ithaca, 
also cooperated with the Dei)artment in the experimental work in New 
York. Four hundred and twenty -five samples were received for analy- 
sis at the experiment station at Ithaca. The data obtained on analysis, 
arranged by counties, are given in the report of Director Roberts. In 
this report the percentage of sugar in the juice of the beet only is 
given, the mean being 16.9. Converting this number into terms of 
the sugar in the beet, the i^ercentage becomes 16.1, which is one point 
higher than the mean percentage of sugar in the samples from New York 
analyzed by the Department of Agriculture. The coefiticient of purity, 
83.5, obtained at the Ithaca station is only a little over one x^oint higher 
than that secured from the analyses by the Department of Agriculture. 

Director Roberts, in his report, estimates that the mean yield per 
acre obtained in the State of New York was 17 tons, but as his esti- 
mate is made upon the returns made by the farmers, many of which 
are evidently too high, it is not final as a source of deductions in 
regard to the average yield which may be obtained. It is not at all 
likely that an average yield of 16 tons per acre could be obtained, even 
by the best culture. 

The counties furnishing the data with the most weight are Broome, 
Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Monroe, Steuben, and Wayne. Chautau- 
qua County, especially, is to be regarded on account of the mean data 
being based upon 122 separate samples, in which the mean percentage 
of sugar in the juice was 16.8, and the mean coefficient of purity, 83.5. 
The next highest number is furnished by Genesee County, where the 
mean percentage of sugar in the juice from 62 samples is 16.6, and the 
coefficient of purity, 82.9. Monroe, with 59 samples, showed a mean 
sugar content in the juice of 17.2 per cent, and a mean coefiicient of 
purity of 83.9. Erie County, with 38 sanqiles, gave a mean content of 
sugar in the juice of 17.9 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity 
of 86.3. Wayne County furnished 27 samples, having a mean content 
of sugar in the juice of 16.7 per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 
82.9. Broome County sent 25 samples, containing 16.2 per cent of 
sugar in the juice, with a coefficient of purity of 81.8; and Steuben 
County furnished 21 samples, containing 16.2 jjer cent of sugar in the 
juice, with a coefficient of purity of 82.6. Following is the report of 
Prof. Roberts: 

The 500 pounds of sugar-beet seed sent us by the Department of Agriculture 
were distributed to over 300 farmers of the State, with directions as to preparation 
of the soil, planting, and cultivating. During the growing season, the larger part of 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



97 



the plats was inspected by au officer of this station aud ol)servations made as to 
the general conditions found. 

The season was a favorable one, and in nearly all cases the beets made good 
growth, and that the per cent of sugar was satisfactory will be shown by the table 
of analyses given later. 

It is safe to say that the citizens of New York State, both capitalists and farmers, 
are thoroughly awakened to the importance of the subject of the manufacture of 
sugar from beets. During the season one factory has been in successful operation 
at Rome, N. Y. Other factories are contemplated, and at the present time agents 
arc in France negotiating for machinery to be used in a large factory to be erected 
the coming season. 

Officers of this station attended eight meetings of farmers and capitalists to give 
information aud advice as to the advisability of locating factories in certain sections 
of the State. Abundance of capital is ready to be invested once the success of the 
industry is assured. Farmers feel that in the raising of sugar beets a new avenue 
is open for them, and in most jjarts of the State favorable for the growth of beets 
they are heartily favoring the new enterprise. 

When the various experimental plats were harvested, agents from this station per- 
sonally superintended the taking of the samples and the calculations of yield on 178 
of the plats. To those farmers whose places we were unable to visit directions were 
sent as to how the samples should be taken and the yield estimated; so it is believed 
that this report of results is a fair statement of what can be done in New York State 
in the way of raising sugar beets. 

The necessity now seems to be the education of the farmers in the system of 
intensive culture necessary for the successful raising of the beets. The farmers 
appreciate the importance of this instruction, and are eager to learn. It is safe to 
predict that the manufacture of sugar from beets is to be one of New York's promi- 
nent industries in the near future. 

The following report is furnished by our chemists, summarizing the results by 
counties : 

Report of sugar-heel experimvnts in New York, 1S97. 



County. 



Albany 

Broome 

Cattaraugus 

Cayuga 

Chautauqua 

Erie 

Genesee 

Herkimer 

Jefferson ... 
Livingston . 

Monroe 

Montgomery 
Niagara 



Sugar in 
juice. 



Per cent. 
17.25 
16.23 
16.94 
17.34 
16.83 
17. 93 
16.62 
13.85 
16.16 
19. 25 
17.22 
15.08 
17.31 



Total 
Purity number 
coefficient of sam- 
of juice, pies aua- 
I lyzed. 



86.6 
81.8 
84.5 
84.3 
83.5 
86.3 
82.9 
79.2 
81.0 
85.6 
83.9 
79.3 
83.4 



1 

25 

15 

10 

122 

38 

62 

1 

3 

1 

59 

3 

7 



County. 



Oneida.. 

Onondaga 

Orleans 

Oswego 

Saratoga 

Schuyler 

Seneca 

Steuben 

Tioga 

Tompkins 

Wayne 

Average . 



Sugar in 
juice. 



Purity 
coeflicient 
ofjuice. 



Per cent. 
16. 16 
17.40 
17.20 
14.45 
20.25 
16.26 
16.58 
16.24 
18.73 
17.49 
16.74 



16.89 



82.1 
86.6 
86.1 
76.1 
86.6 
79.7 
83.2 
82.6 
82.7 
83.1 
82.9 



83.5 



Total 
number 
of sam- 
ples ana- 
lyzed. 



Froui the foregoing data, the conclusion is inevitable that the State 
of [N'ew York stands among the first in the Union in its capabilities of 
Ijroducing beets with a high content of sugar aud a high purity. The 
meager data at hand also show that a fair tonnage per acre can be 
secured. It is evident that with proper fertilization aud rotation of 
crops the fertility of the soil can not only be maintained, but even 
increased, so that it is not unreasonable to expect, under the best cou- 
H. Doc. 396 7 



98 BEET-SITGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ditions of culture, that the mean tonnage per acre produced in the 
State of New York will be quite equal to that of the best sugar regions 
of Germany. Judging by the data obtained from a siugle season 
alone, there is no sugar-beet producing country of Europe that can 
compete with the State of New York in the richness of its beets. If a 
factory, constructed on the best approved modern principles, and with 
every facility for converting the whole of the sugar into marketable 
form, could be supplied with such beets as were grown in the State of 
New York during the season of 1897, it would be capable of placing 
upon the market 240 pounds of pure granulated sugar for every ton of 
2,000 pounds of beets entering into manufacture. When, in addition 
to these facts, are considered the cheapness of fuel, the abundance of 
labor, the proximity of markets, and the importance of the dairy indus- 
try in its relations to the refuse of the factory as a feed, it is seen tliat 
there is no place in the United States which ofiers more favorable 
inducements for the development of the industry. 

ELEVATION OF REGIONS OF NEW YORK SUITED TO BEET CULTURE. 

A contour map of the State of New York, showing the elevations 
above tide water, is found in the fifth annual report of the meteoro- 
logical bureau and weather service of the State for 1893. The eleva- 
tion in the region of the Catskills in some places reaches an altitude of 
3,000 feet. Immediately west of this mountainous region, and extend- 
ing to Binghamton on the south and almost across the State through 
the south central i)ortion, there is a large area in which the average 
elevation is 1,000 feet. In the southwestern portion of the State there 
is a considerable area the elevation of which is 1,500 feet. The region 
of the Adirondacks and the northeastern portion of the State has 
various elevations, but as these regions are probably too far north for 
successful beet culture they do not interest us here. Starting from 
Albany with an average elevation of 100 feet and following the 
course of the New York Central Railway, we pass through an area a 
large portion of which is below 500 feet in elevation. From Eome 
through Syracuse and as far west as Lyons the average elevation is 
less than 500 feet, with the exception of small areas. From Lyons to 
Buffalo the average elevation is above 500 and less than 1,000 feet. 
Immediately along the shores of Lake Ontario the average elevation is 
less than 500 feet. Passing to the south near Rochester, along the 
Genesee Valley, is a considerable area below 500 feet in elevation. 

An interesting description of the physical contour of the State is given 
in the report mentioned above as taken from the work oi Prof. Arnold 
Guyot. This description is as follows : 

The following outline of the orography of New York is siibstiuitially as given by 
Prof. Arnold Guyot. Further details arc exhibited by the accoiupauyiug relief 
map. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 99 

The mass of the State is a triangular table-laud elevated 1,500 or 2,000 feet above 
the ocean, and may be considered the northeastern extremity of the plateau which, 
in this latitude, forms the western half of the Appalachian system. The natural 
limit of this belt toward the west and north is the large depression of Lakes Erie 
and Ontario, and which continues down the course of the St. Lawrence River to 
the ocean. In the east the table-land is terminated by the deep valley occupied by 
Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, while southward the highlands extend 
without interruption into Pennsylvania. The eastern edge along the Hudsou and 
Champlain valleys is formed by a series of mouutain chains more or less isolated 
from each other, and bearing the highest summits in the State. They are: The 
Highlands, which cross the Hudsou at the limit of the coast region; the Shawan- 
gunk and Catskill mountains, on the western bauk of the river, and the system of 
the Adirondacks, covering the territory between the St. Lawrence and Champlain 
valleys. Within this eastern wall the true mountain chains cease, but the remain- 
der of the plateau is indented by numerous valleys, the bottoms of which are 
generally several hundred feet below the common level, and which are separated by 
high ridges. A remarkable feature is the deep transversal cut which forms the 
valley of the Mohawk and Lake Oneida, opening a channel from the low country of 
the Lake region to the Hudson valley, and thus dividing the main plateau into the 
distinct masses of the Appalachian and Adirondack systems. 

A subdivision of the central or Appalachian highlands is due to the deep channel 
of Seneca Lake, extending from the plains bordering Lake Ontario southward to 
the valley of the Susquehanna. The two sections of the highlands thus separated 
are here designated as the eastern and western plateaus, the fornuT extending from 
the central lakes to the Hudson Vallej^, and the latter westward from the central 
lakes to the depression of Lake Erie. 

North Dakota. 

Only four samples were received from North Dakota, the average 
weight of which was 28 ounces, and the mean percentage of sugar in 
the beet 10.5. On account of the low content of sugar, purity coeffi- 
cients were not comi)uted. 

No report has been received from the director of the North Dakota 
station in regard to any work whicli has been carried on by that station. 
The data of the four samples received are likely to be misleading, as it 
is evident that North Dakota is capable of i)roducing very much better 
beets than are indicated by the data in the analytical tables. 

North Carolina. 

By consulting the map it may be seen that there are many localities 
in North Carolina where the thermal conditions a^re favorable for the 
growth of high grade beets. It is doubtful, however, whether upon the 
summits of the Allegheny Mountains, where these conditions exist, a 
sufficient area of suitable soil could be secured to warrant the expecta- 
tion of establishing successfully a beet-sugar industry in that State. 

Only seven samples were received from North Carolina by the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture. The mean weight of these samples was 23 ounces, 
and the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 9.1. On account of the 



Lore. 



100 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



low polarization of the samples, it was not deemed necessary to make 
a computation of the coefficient of purity. 

No analyses were made at the laboratory of the experiment station 
of North Carolina during the year, although the director of the station 
has been much interested in the work, and proposes to continue it 
another season. 

Ohio. 

Sixty- eight samples of beets grown in Ohio were received at the 
Department laboratory for analysis. The mean weight of these beets 
was 22 ounces, the mean content of sugar 13.8 per cent, and the mean 
coefficient of purity, 79.1. Grouped by belts into northern, central, and 
southern, the character of the beets grown in Ohio and analyzed at the 
Department of Agriculture is shown in the following table: 

Summary of analyses of heets from Ohio, by belts. 



Belts. 



Northern belt 
Central belt. . 
Southern belt 



Number 

of 
samples. 



Average 
weight. 



Ounces. 
21 
23 
26 



Sugar in 
beets. 



Per cent. 
14.1 

13.6 
12.7 



Purity- 
coeffi- 
cient. 



79.9 
78.5 

75.7 



It will be seen from the above that the northern belt of the State 
produced the best beets, both in content of sugar and purity, and in 
this respect the data obtained by the Department corroborate in every 
particular those secured by the Ohio Experiment Station mentioned 
below. It is evident, from a consideration of the two sets of data, that 
the northern portion of Ohio offers favorable inducements, both for the 
culture of the beet from an agricultural point of view and by reason of 
cheapness of fuel and the facilities of transportation from the manu- 
facturing point of view. It is evident, however, that the central and 
southern jiarts of the State, as is the case with Indiana and Illinois, 
should not be exploited with the purpose of investing money in the 
beet- sugar industry until the available localities in the northern regions 
are entirely occupied. 

With the cooperation of the Department of Agriculture, the agri- 
cultural experiment station of Ohio distributed a large quantity of seed 
to farmers in that State, and from the seed so distributed GOT samples 
of beets were forwarded to the station and analyzed. The results of 
the analyses by counties are given in the following table: 



BEET-SUGAR INDXTSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



101 



EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE OHIO ACiRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 

Summary of results of sugar-beet investigation fur Ohio, 1S97. 



County. 



Asbland 

Ashtabula . . 

Auglaize 

Belmont 

Cliauipaign.. 

Clark 

Columbiaua . 
Coslioctoii . - . 

Crawford 

Cuyahoga . . . 

DaVke 

Defiance 

Delaware . . . 

Erie 

Fairfield 

Fayette 

Franklip 

Pulton 

Geauga 

Greero 

Hardiu 

Henry 

Highland ... 

Hocking 

Holmes 

Huron 

Knox 

Lake 

Licking 

Logan 

Lorain 

Lucas 

Madison 



ID 

"p. 

^§ 

a 

!3 


O 

2 


o 

■S 

a 
o 

p 
in 


.S 

0; 
O 

_^ 

'u 

s 




Otams. 


Per ct. 




4 


831 


12.7 


76.0 


2 


679 


14.9 


82.8 


9 


1, 128 


14.4 


77.0 


1 


660 


IC. 6 


86.9 


1 


825 


13.2 


77.6 


11 


610 


14.1 


78.7 


1 


610 


18.4 


83.6 


4 


860 


12.9 


72.9 


7 


1,095 


13.8 


77.1 


4 


894 


12.9 


75.5 


44 


864 


13.3 


76.9 


23 


851 


13.7 


77.9 


4 


559 


14.9 


79.3 


1 


1,406 


15.0 


80.6 


5 


599 


12.8 


74.9 


2 


020 


14.6 


78.9 


5 


524 


15.3 


80.0 


24 


1,065 


14.1 


79.2 


G 


694 


16.3 


84.8 


11 


1,285 


9.9 


66,8 


4 


796 


12.1 


74.2 


33 


810 


15.3 


80.9 


1 


840 


13.2 


68.4 


1 


1,521 


7.2 


a 59.0 





680 


13.6 


81.0 


1 


303 


16.0 


70.1 


4 


642 


15.9 


81.9 


5 


789 


14.9 


82.7 


11 


562 


11.9 


74.9 


2 


779 


12.8 


80.0 


1 


520 


16.0 


81.2 


32 


889 


14.3 


78.5 


5 


711 


14.3 


76.8 



County. 



Marion 

Medina 

Mercer 

Miami 

Montgomery 

Muskmgura 

Ottawa 

Paulding 

Perry 

Pickaway 

Pike -. 

Portage 

Putnam 

Kichland 

Ro.s3 

Sandusky 

Seneca 

Shelby 

Stark 

Summit 

Tuscarawas 

Union 

Van Wert 

Wayne 

Williams 

Wood 

Wyandot 

Southern section . . 

Middle section 

Northern section. . 

Entire State. 



e3T3 
en <o 

u « 

« ca 



'A 



69 
146 
392 

6607 






Gram,s. 
555 
947 

1,119 
773 
755 
566 
G94 
802 
127 
710 
595 

1,554 
958 
490 
697 
812 
762 
607 
712 
684 
865 

1,077 

1,064 
787 
979 
777 
605 



924 
834 



867 



Per ct. 
12.4 
13.9 
13.2 
12.6 
11.8 
14.4 
15.7 
15.6 
19.1 
16.5 
14.0 
9.3 
13.1 
16.6 
13.5 
14.8 
14.8 
14.0 
15.3 
14.7 
14.8 
15.9 
12.5 
13.9 
16.2 
14.4 
15.1 



12.8 
13.9 
14.3 



77.5 
76.2 
77.2 
75.9 
73.5 
78.2 
78.8 
80.0 
80.9 
81.6 
77.8 
a69.7 
76.5 
83.4 
76.6 
79.6 
77.5 
80.0 
80.8 
80.2 
79.1 
80.6 
73.1 
80.7 
80.2 
78.3 
79.8 



75.3 
78.0 
79.4 



aNot included in average of State. 

h Some samples were received without name and address of grower. 

It will be observed from the above table that the number of samples 
analyzed was GOT. Only 554, however, of these samples figure in the 
averages for the State, the others having been rejected for computing 
purposes by reason of certain abnormalties which they presented. The 
Ohio results are exceedingly encouraging from every point of view, 
with the exception of i)iirity alone. The average weight of the beets 
was 867 grams, equivalent to 30.6 ounces. The average per cent of 
sugar in the expressed juices was 14 per cent, equivalent to 13.3 per 
cent in the beet, and the average coefficient of purity of the juices was 
78.7. The most interesting grouping of the samples is shown at the end 
of the table, particularly so because in the State of Ohio the most favor- 
able theoretical thermal conditions prevail only in the northern counties. 
The grouping of the total number of samples into three portions, rej)re- 
seuting the northern, central, and southern sections of the State, shows 
in a convincing manner the effect of thermal conditions on the sugar 
content of the beet. The northern counties furnished 392 samples, 
with an average weight of 834 grams, equivalent to 29.4 ounces, with 



102 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

an average percentage of 14,3 per cent of sugar iu the juiee, equivalent 
to 13.6 per ceut iu the beet, with an average coefficient of purity of 79.4. 
The middle section furnished 146 samples, with an average weight of 
924 grams, equivalent to 32.6 ounces, with a mean content of sugar of 
13.9 per cent in the juice, or 13.2 per cent in the beet, and a mean 
coefficient of purity of 78. The southern section furnished 69 samples, 
with an average weight of 892 grams, equivalent to 35 ounces, a mean 
percentage of 12.8 per cent of sugar in the juice, or 12.2 per cent in the 
beet, and a mean coefBcient of purity of 75.3. 

It is seen by the above that there is marked improvement, both in 
the percentage of sugar and the purity of the juice, in the beets in Ohio 
as we advance from its southern to its northern border. 

The results of the work of the experiment station of Ohio have 
already been published as Bulletin No. 90 of that station, and interest- 
ing details connected with the above data can be found therein. The 
bulletin also contains interesting maps, showing isothermal lines and 
conditions of precipitation in the State. The remarks of the authors of 
the bulletin, namely, Mr. A. D. Selby and Mr. L. M. Bloomfield, on the 
general character of the results are interesting and are found below: 

Taken as a -whole, these analyses seem to indicate that beets of good quality may 
be grown in most counties of the middle and northern sections of Ohio, and, further, 
that many portions of the southern section may be adapted to sugar-beet growing, 
although on the whole less promising than more northerly districts. The analyses 
from Fayette, Pickaway, Ross, Pike, and Perry counties appear encouraging. The 
sugar content in Ross County is decidedly reassuring, though the purity is slightly 
belo-w the standard. Judging by the samples, this might have been greatly improved 
by more careful culture and better selection of typical specimens. The unfavorable 
results in Greene and Montgomery counties are not taken to indicate what may 
really be done in these counties. For the southern section, and particularly the val- 
ley districts, further trials should be made. Close planting should be practiced on 
rich lands. 

For the middle section, as a whole, good sugar beets may apparently be grown 
■when growers have learned what to avoid in j^lanting and culture. The low aver- 
ages in samples from Mercer, Hardin, and Coshocton counties may not certainly be 
taken as conclusive evidence of conditions unfavorable to sngar-beet culture. Those 
reported from sandy soils in Mercer County show a fair purity. The results from 
Belmont, Muskingum, and Tuscarawas counties jjoint to better things in the eastern 
counties than previously anticipated. More trials in this region another year are 
certainly warranted by these analyses. 

As anticipated from previous trials, it is the northern section which makes the 
most favorable showing as a whole. Samples were received from every county of 
the northern section except Trumbull, Mahoning, Hancock, and Allen, A sample 
■was received from Columbiana County after the tables had been completed. While 
the lake shore district shows to good advantage here, the counties situated along 
the summer isothermal of 70° F. are but slightly, if at all, inferior, though repre- 
sented by a much larger number of samples. Ottawa County gives a low purity 
with a high sugar content, 15.7 per cent. It will be noted that a large number of 
samples is not conducive to extremely high averages in the tables. 

In fact, practically all the counties of the State show a rather high sugar content, 
14 per cent in juice ■when all are averaged, and it is to the coefficient of apparent 
purity that we must direct our attention to discover differences. Under all the cir- 
cumstances an average purity of 78 and above may be taken as fairly satisfactory 
for the present year's analyses. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



103 



It is to be borne in mind, when these results are considered, that the percentages 
were obtained for the most part in comparatively fresh samples, from which only 
the leaves had been removed. Topping the beets, as for factory use, was not encour- 
aged, owing to the risk of water loss by evaporation. This has led, possibly, to 
lower i>ercentages than where beets were topped and sent considerable distances by 
mail. While the actual sugar content would be but slightly, if at all, reduced by 
loss of water, the apparent sucrose per ccut would be changed. 

Oklahoma. 

Only one sample of beets was received at the laboratory of the 
Department of Agriculture from Oklahoma. The average weight of 
the beets composing the sample was 10 ounces, the mean percentage 
of sugar in the beets 11.8, and the coefficient of purity, 72.5. The 
director of the agricultural experiment station has submitted the fol- 
lowing report of the analyses of 21 samples, showing a mean percent- 
age of sugar in the juice of 12, and in the beet of 11.4, and a mean 
coefficient of purity of 65.3. The mean coefficient of purity as obtained 
at the experiment station of Oklahoma is phenomenally low. These 
data, taken in connection with the climatic conditions which prevail in 
that Territory, are sufficient to indicate that there is no prospect of 
establishiug a beet-sugar industry in Oklahoma. 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN OKLAHOMA. 

Seed and culture directions were sent to farmers in each county, and the number 
of requests for seed quickly exhausted the available supply. But twenty-four 
reports were received ^nd twenty-one authentic samples examined. Of the three 
total failures reported, one is stated as due to iiood, another to drought, and the 
third to hail. The yield, judging from the vague and indefinite reports which I 
have been able to secure, varied greatly. It seems that in many cases the seed was 
sown too far apart in the drills and that but little regard was paid the culture- 
directions sent out. In general, a poor stand was secured, and the majority of those 
reporting are not enthusiastic as to the prosiiects of the sugar-beet industry in 
Oklahoma. 

I inclose a tabular statement of the results of analyses of beets. The low coelS- 
cient of purity of the juice is especially noticeable. 

Analyses of sugar beets grown in Oklahoma Territory, 1897. 



County. 



Canadian , 
Do .... 
Do .-.. 

Cleveland . 

Custer 

Gartield... 
Kingtislier 
Lincoln ... 

Do.... 

Do .... 

Do .... 
Logan 



Sugar in 


Coeffi- 
cient of 




purity. 


Per cent. 




9.3 


53.1 


13.0 


66.3 


10.1 


62.7 


13.0 


74.3 


13.9 


68.1 


12.6 


67.3 


14.9 


66.2 


10.8 


73.0 


10.8 


57.7 


13.9 


81.8 


10.1 


60.1 


9.6 


68.6 



County. 



sugar in 
juice. 



Coeffi- 
cient of 
purity. 



Logan 

Oklahoma 

Pawnee 

Payne 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Pottawatomie 

Average 



• cent. 

9.3 
14.0 
12.2 
17.7 
11.9 
11.8 
IL 8 

8.4 
12.8 



12.0 



58.1 
78.6 
68.5 
72.5 
54.3 
64.3 
63. 1 
52.1 
61.2 



C5.3 



Oregon. 

No samples of beets were received at the Department from the State 
of Oregon during the season. Previous analyses of beets received 
from that State have shown uniformly a high content of sugar and a 



104 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



higli coefficient of purity. The agricultural experiment station of Ore- 
gon for several years has devoted a great deal of time and attention to 
the study of the sugar-beet industry in that State and published valu- 
able reports on the subject. Mr. G. W. Shaw has prepared a rdsum6 
of the worlc of the station and of the Department, which contains the 
summaries of the work done, with various comments on the data 
obtained. This report is given below. 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN OREGON. 

In liis notes on tlio analyses of beets for the season of 1891, Dr. H. W. Wiley, chem- 
ist of the United States Department of Agriculture, said : " The samples from Oregon 
are uniformly rich in qualitj'^, and if they truly represent the capabilities of the 
State there is certainly a bright future for the sugar-beet industry on that portion 
of the Pacific coast." This was said relative to a series of 33 analyses made at the 
United States Department of Agriculture, which gave the following average results: 
weight, 644 grams; sugar in the juice, 14.5 per cent; purity, 82.2. 

It was to obtain a decided answer to the question, " Does Oregon possess the requi- 
site conditions for the manufacture of sugar from beets?" that the writer, as chemist 
of the Oregon Experiment Station, began a series of experiments with beets in 1891, 
which were continued in 1892 and again in 1897. The results of these investigations 
are here briefly set forth, more detailed account of which may be had by applying 
to the station for Bulletin No. 44. 

The sugar beet does not differ from other plants in requiring certain conditions of 
climate and soil to give favorable results. In foreign countries both of these ques- 
tions have been pretty satisfactorily settled, but in some parts of the United States 
the jdant seems to thrive under very different conditions man obtain in foreign 
countries. Notably is this true concerning the rainfall, as is illustrated in the case 
of California and Utah, as well as in the experimental culture in Oregon, as will 
appear later; hence foreign countries can not be taken as representing the only 
conditions under which the root will thrive. However, it does there thrive and these 
conditions can by no means be ignored. It also thrives, and that splendidly, in 
our own California, hence her conditions can not bo disregarded in a consideration of 
this question. Let us examine Oregon's condition of climate and soil that, if pos- 
sible, we may obtain some a priori ideas on these lines. 

The season for the growth of beets may be divided into three periods — that of 
germinating, that of plant formation, and that of sugar storing. The following is 
a comparative table showing the temperature averages for Germany and certain 
parts of Oregon during these periods : 

Average temperature for periods of growth. 



Period of growth. 



Average temperature. 



Foreign. 



First . 
Second 
Tiiird. 



49.1 
63.3 
56.3 



Eastern 
Oregon. 



56.0 
65.0 
64.5 



Willam- 
ette 
valley. 



52.5 
64.4 
63.3 



Southern 
Oregon. 



53.3 
64.5 
54.8 



Taking as a basis Dr. McMurtrie's mean isotherm for sugar-beet culture at 70" for 
June, July, and August, Dr. Wiley, in his report upon beet culture, gives a map of 
the United States, showing 100 miles on each side of this isotherm, within which area 
favorable results may be looked for. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



105 



It is iu the rainfall of the State that we find the greatest seeming deviation from 
those portions of the world which are taken as typical beet-producing regions. This 
seeming diftereuco should not be considered as a too serious drawback, nor would it 
appear so to those acquainted with all the conditions. The average amount of rain- 
fall does not differ much from that of the beet-growing regions of other countries, 
yet it is not so evenly distributed. It must be borne iu mind, however, that the 
soils of Oregon are much different with respect to their retentiveness of moisture, 
and that for all our croi^s the necessary moisture ne;irly all falls during the "wet 
season," and for this reason we do not usually consider the monthly rainfall as bear- 
ing so close relation to the crops as it does in most other States, but rather are wont 
to consider the seasonal precipitation as tlie more important factor. In this respect 
ours is similar to the condition which obtains in our sister State, California, in 
which the beet industry has reached a high state of development. 

Champion and Pellet consider pho8i:)horie acid as an indispensable base for the 
formation of sugar in the beet. They classify the order in which the plant food is 
indispensable as follows: (1) Phosphoric acid, (2) lime, (3) nitrogen, (4) potash. 

It is foreign to our purpose to discuss, at this time, the soils of Oregon to any 
length, but in connection with the last statement I desire to direct attention to 
the fact that the soils of Oregon are well — yes, abundantly — supplied with phos- 
phoric acid; that they surpass those of France iu lime and equal them in potash. 
Below are contrasted analyses of some of the French sugar-beet soils with those of 
the natural divisions of this State and those of California. These results, I think, 
speak for themselves, and need no further comment. 

Averaye comparative composition of soih. 



Analysi-s of fine earth. 



Insoluble matter 

Soluble silica 

Pota.sb (K.,0) 

SodafNa^O) 

Lime (CaO) 

Magnesia (MgO) 

Manganese (Mn304) 

Iron (FejOs) 

Alumina ( AI2O3) 

Sulphuric acid (SO3) 

Phosphoric acid (P2O6) 

Carbonic acid (CO2) 

Water and organic matter . 

Other matter 

Humus 



France. 



Somme. 



2.88 
7.24 



.40 
5.60 
1.85 



Nord. 



.14 
.42 



2.18 
8.62 



.70 
4.84 
1.52 



Oregon. 



Eastern. 



66.59 
13.12 
.43 
.22 
1.22 
.75 
.10 

10.69 

.04 
.14 



6.21 

'i.'44' 



Willamette 
Valley. 



65.18 
5.02 
.23 
.18 
.83 
.79 
.08 

16.45 

.03 
.21 



10.77 



1.63 



Southern. 



62.45 
8.74 
.34 
.21 
2.22 
.80 
.25 

15.35 

.01 
.13 



Califor- 
nia. 



67.88 
8.96 
.64 
.28 
1.08 
1.49 
.06 

15.02 

.05 

.08 



4.40 
".'75 



Measured, then, by the foreign conditions .as to temperature and the Calilornia 
conditions as to rainfall, and with a soil amply supplied with all the elements 
necessary to produce abundant crops, Oregon would certainly seem favored with all 
the requisites for success iu beet culture. 

The analyses made at the station during the season of 1891-92 may be summarized 
as follows : 

County averages for 1891. 



County. 


Ko. 


Sugar. 


Purity co- 
efUcient. 


County. 


No. 


Sugar. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Benton 


39 

7 
1 
9 
3 

16 
5 


12.30 
14.55 
13.74 
12.99 
18.93 
14.32 
13.54 


74.12 
77.30 
79.42 
73.45 
80.99 
79.95 
7n '•^ 

" 1 




1 

1 

3 

11 

1 


15.99 
14.72 
15.84 
13.96 
10.73 


78 38 


Clackamas 


Polk 


78 08 


Columbia 




79 89 


Douglas 




78 79 


Jackson 


Taanhill '. 


76.64 












14.13 


78 08 











106 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



An examination of the results reveals that the analyses had a wide range, viz: 
From 6.77 per cent to 22.44 per cent sugar in the juice. Of the 95 analyses made, 8 
fell below 10 per cent; 76 showed over 12 per cent, and 37 over 14 per cent sugar. 
An average of 81 analyses for the Willamette Valley shows 13.76 per cent sugar and 
a purity coefiicient of 77.89; the average beet weighing a little o\er 1^ pounds, while 
an average of 10 analyses of lieets from southern Oregon showed 13.38 per cent sugar 
with a little larger beet. But this does not really show the capabilities of this sec- 
tion of the State, as will appear later, for there were quite a number of immature 
beets included in this average. 

Experiments of 1892. — For the investigations of 1892 the following varieties were 
used, Desprez's Early Rose, Vilmorin's Improved, Kleinwanzlebener, and WTiite 
Imperial, all of which are favorite kinds, the first being much used in California. 
Unfortunately the seed was delayed in reaching us, so it could not be distributed to 
the farmers as early as it should have been to secure the best results. Had the seed 
reached us in due time, it could have been put into the ground in April, for at that 
time there was favorable weather for seeding, but by the time the seed had been dis- 
tributed cold weather set in and continued till May, after which the weather became 
very dry, rendering the conditions for a fair trial very unfavorable. 

The rainfall for the season was below the normal and reports all read "very dry," 
" extraordinarily dry," " weather very unfavorable." In fact, nearly all the beets in 
the eastern portion of the State failed to mature, and in many instances the seed 
failed to germinate. So far as the season's climate is concerned, then, the experi- 
ments were greatly handicapped and we were "in pursuit of knowledge under 
difficulties." 

The cultivation for this season was the same as for the previous year, except that 
the rows were placed 20 inches apart. 

Owing to the disturbed condition of the experiment, the results are doubtless 
poorer than would have been the case had the season been one of more nearly normal 
conditions. Still, the results confirm the conclusions of the previous year, that Oregon 
possesses the conditions necessary for the production of excellent beets for the pur- 
pose of beet-sugar manufacture. 

Expressed by counties the averages are as follows: 

Averages for 1892 by counties. 



County. 


Number 

of 
analyses. 


Average 
for 1892. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


County. 


Number 

of 
analyses. 


Average 
for 1892. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Benton 


17 
1 
9 
1 
2 
3 
1 
2 


12.80 
15.10 
15.20 
15.00 
15.20 
16.20 
i7.10 
13.80 


86.50 

87.83 
81.15 
84.74 
84.05 
83.00 
73.74 
74.60 


Polk 


5 

7 
10 
5 

2 

i 
1 


14.50 
19.80 
15.50 
13.70 
15.70 
21.10 
20.20 


73.30 
87.33 
78.79 
82.83 
88.00 
90.50 
84 90 


Clackamas 






Washington 

Taniliill 


Jackson 








Wasco 


Linn 


Marion 







The average of all analyses for the State was 15.7 per cent sugar in the juice, with a 
purity coefficient of 78.08, against 13.75 per cent and a purity of 77.57 for the previous 
season. Out of the 65 analyses made, only 11 indicated less than 12 percent sugar in 
the juice, and 41 samples indicated over 14 per cent, the extremes being 9.4 per cent 
and 23.8 per cent. The average for the different natural divisions of the State were 
as follows: 

Fey cent. 

Willamette Valley, 44 samples 14.7 

Eastern Oregon, 11 samples 19.2 

Southern Oregon, 10 samples 15.1 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



107 



While from 1893 to 1897 no definitely ontliued experiments liave been conducted, 
yet the station has furnished more or less seed to various parties who have sent the 
beets to be analyzed. In other cases beet seed has been furnished by other parties, 
and analyses have been made in all cases when beets were forwarded to the station. 
The average of the results of 23 analyses made since 1892 shows 15.05 per cent sugar 
in the juice and a purity coefficient of 89.8. 

Average of all results. — Let us now collect the restilts to 1897 which have been thus 
separately set forth . In the same table I beg to include the averages from analyses 
made at Washington, D. C, by the United States Department of Agriculture. These 
last-mentioned results really indicate a little too high, probabl^"^ about 10 per cent, 
on account of the time that necessarily elapsed between harvesting and analyzing, 
which would result in a loss of water. 

Expressed by counties the averages are as follows : 

Average of all analyses for each county. 



Countv. 



Benton 

Clackamas... 

Columbia 

Cocs 

Douglas 

Jackson 

Lane , 

Lincoln ' 

Linn 

Marion 

Polk 

Union 

TV'ashington 

Yamhill 

Josephine .. 

Wasco , 

Malheur 

Sherman 

Umatilla 

Multnomah . 



Number 
of anal- 
yses. 



Average 

of analyses 

made at 

station. 



12.57 
15.62 
13.74 



14.10 
17.93 
14.42 



14.13 
15.17 
14.54 
18.61 
15.29 
12.87 
15.70 
21.10 
20.20 



16.90 



Purity 
coefficient. 



79.63 

78.76 
79.42 



77.98 
81.00 
80.19 



73.43 
74. 60 
74.10 
85.10 
80.98 
82.76 
81.21 
90.50 
83.44 



76.80 



Number 
of anal- 
yses. 



Average 
for United 
States De- 

]iartment 
of Agricul- 
ture. 



14.34 
15. 3C 
15.30 
14.56 
17.74 
18.94 
14.24 



14.15 
14.15 

12.10 
14. 35 
12.49 



Purity co- 
efficient. 



82.8 
84.2 
81.7 
82.6 
84.3 
83.9 
85.4 



79.4 
81.1 
79.8 
81.8 
80.7 



13.55 
15.12 



72.2 
80.9 



' Averaged with Benton County. 

If we omit from the average those beets which were immature or overgrown, the 
averages for the State will be : 





Sugar. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Season of 1891 


14.3 
15.9 
15.0 


78.2 


Season of 1892 


81.4 


Since 1892 


84.8 








15.0 


81.5 







During the season just ended, 1897-98, the experiments were continued, but 
were limited for the most part to those portions of the State which seemed to oifer 
not only the best conditions for growing beets, but also presented other favorable 
economic conditions, for unless the requisites for the manufacture of sugar can be 
had as well as the beets, it is useless to expend labor in an attempt to show that we 
can grow good beets. In these experiments the conditions were not particularly 
favorable — indeed, were adverse, inasmuch as the ground was entirely prepared in 



108 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



the spriug aucl the seed was late. The results obtained in the localities selected are 
given helow : 



County. 


"Weight. 


Sugar. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Washington , 


Orams. 
395 
508 
477 
437 
512 


Per cent. 
15.2 
13.8 
17.5 
15. C 
14.1 


Per cent. 
85 




83 4 




88 4 




81 




85 8 







Pennsylvania. 

Fifty-niue samples of beets grown iu Peunsylvani^l were received at 
the Department of Agriculture laboratory for analysis. The mean 
weight of the beets in the samples was 18 ounces, the mean content of 
sugar in the beet 13.8 per cent, and the mean coefficient of i^urity, 79.5. 
The size and sugar content of the samples received from the whole State 
were satisfactory, but the coefficient of purity falls a little below the 
minimum standard. 

The samples received may be divided, for the purposes of study, into 
two sets, namel3\ those from counties lying in and north and west of 
the favorable thermal belt, and second, the counties lyiug south aud 
east of that belt. Collected by counties, the samples divided accord- 
ing to the above classification show the following data: 

Counties of I'eunsylvania above and helow isothermal line 70°. 



County. 



Above 70° 

Allegheny 

Cra-wford 

Elk 

Erie 

Mercer 

Potter 

Union 

Lawrence 

Averages, etc 

Beloiv 70'=> 

Cumbeilantl 

l..C'banon 

Perry 

Yorli 

Averages, etc 



Number 

of 
samples. 



28 



Average 
weight. 



Ounces. 
18 
25 
16 
28 
34 
18 
10 
16 



21 



Sugar in 

the 

beets. 



Percent. 
13.8 
13.9 
13.0 
15.8 
15.4 
18.0 
19. C 
16.8 



14.8 



Coeffi- 
cient of 
purity. 



12 


12.2 


24 


14.4 


31 


15.7 


25 


13.9 


15 


12.7 



77.0 
75.3 
77.4 
82.5 
83,7 
81.1 



79.9 



78.9 



79.6 
79.0 



It will be seen that the 31 samples coming from the counties lying in 
and to the north aud west of the favorable thermal belt have an aver- 
age weight of 21 ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 14.8 
per cent, and a mean coefficient of purity of 78.9. The 28 samples com- 
ing from counties lyiug south and east of the favorable thermal belt 
have a mean weight of 15 ounces, a sugar content iu the beet of 12.7 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 109 

per cent, and a mean purity of 70.8. With the exception of the coefift- 
cient of purity, the influence of the more favorable thermal conditions 
is easily distinguished. 

Of the counties in Pennsylvania furnishing the most data may be 
mentioned Allegheny, with 13 samples, having an average weight of 18 
ounces, a mean content of sugar in the beet of 13.8 i)er cent, and a 
mean purity of 77. Cumberland County, in the southern part of the 
State, sent 22 samples, having a mean weight of 12 ounces, a mean 
content of sugar in the beet of 12 per cent, and a mean purity of 79.6. 
Erie County sent 7 samples, having a mean weight of 28 ounces, a mean 
content of sugar in the beet of 15.8 per cent, and a mean purity of 82.5. 
The samples from Erie County are decidedly the most favorable, and 
this is to be expected, since Erie County has conditions of soil and 
climate which are entirely analogous to those pervading the i^ew York 
area from Albany to Buffalo. 

Attention has been called before to the mountainous character of a 
large part of the State of Pennsylvania, even where favorable thermal 
conditions prevail. It is evident, however, that in the northern and 
western portions of the State, where suitable soil can be found, the 
culture of the sugar beet may be introduced under the most favorable 
conditions, and with every prospect of success. 

EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPEIUMENT STATION. 

The agricultural experiment station of Pennsylvania cooperated with 
the Department of Agriculture in the investigation of the beet-sugar 
work, and has published the results of its work in Bulletin No. 40 of 
that station. For details of the analytical work and of the observa- 
tions made by the director of the station the reader is referred to the 
bulletin mentioned. In discussing the analyses Director Armsby says: 

Of the 69 samples reported upon in the above table, 55 (or 80 per cent) showed over 
12 per cent of sugar in the beet. Thirty- four samples (or 49 per cent) showed a 
coefficient of purity of over 80. Thirty-two out of the total number (or 46 per cent) 
showed over 12 per cent of sugar and also a purity coefficient of over 80. In view 
of the fact that practically all of the beets were raised by farmers who had had no 
experience in the culture of this plant for sugar, the results must be regarded as 
decidedly favorable so far as the quality of the beets is concerned. 

In 40 cases out of the whole number we have data regarding the average weight of 
the beets. Of these 40 samples, 14 (or 35 per cent) weighed between 0.80 and 1.35 
pounds, 18 (or 45 per cent) were below 0.80 pound in weight, and 8 (or 20 per cent) 
were above 1.35 pounds. It thus appears that, as a rule, the size of the beets was 
rather small. 

Thirty-four of the experimenters reported the yield of beets. In most cases the 
yield was calculated from that of a comparatively small area, and in many cases there 
is evidence that the results may be cousiderably in error. Taking them as they 
stand, however, 10 (or 29 per cent) reported a yield of over 15 tons per acre, 2 (or 6 
per cent) a yield of between 10 and 12 tons per acre, and 17 (or 50 per cent) a yield 
below 10 tons per acre. It thus appears that while, as stated above, the general 
quality of the beets was good, the yield was rather small. 



110 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

As stated above, 32 of the samples showed more than 12 per cent of sugar with a 
purity coefficient of more than 80. Of these 32 experiments, 7 (or 22 per cent) 
reported a yield of over 10 tons per acre, 4 (or 13 per cent) a yield of betv.^een 8 and 
10 tons per acre, 7 (or 22 per cent) a yield of less than 8 tons per acre, Avhilo M (or 
44 per cent) did not report the yield. These figures confirm those given above in 
showing that the yield was, as a whole, rather small. 

Rhode Island. 

Only 2 samples were received from Ehode Island, and no deductions 
of any value can be made from such limited data. The average weight 
of the beets composing the samples was 21 ounces, the mean percent- 
age of sugar therein 11.9, and the mean purity 74.2. These data of 
course are far from encouraging, but there are reasons for supposing 
that the climate of Ehode Island is favorable to the production of a 
much richer beet. The available area for cultivation in beets in Ehode 
Island is small, and it may not be worth while to prosecute the experi- 
mental work. Nevertheless, it is suggested that it might be profitable 
for tlie agricultural experiment station of Ehode Island to study the 
subject to a greater extent. 

South Carolina. 

Thirteen samples were received at the Department of Agriculture 
from South Carolina. The mean weight of the samples was 17 ounces, 
the percentage of sugar in the beet 9.9, and the mean purity 79.9. 
These data, taken into consideration with the latitude and thermal con- 
ditions, Indicate that there is no prospect of South Carolina becoming 
a sugar-j)roducing State. 

South Dakota. 

Only 5 samples of beets grown in South Dakota were received at 
the Department for analysis. The mean weight of the beets compos- 
ing these samjjles was 17 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 
15.1, and the mean purity coefiBcient 83.2. These data are favorable, 
but too meager for the basis of any definite conclusions. 

EXPEKIMENTS BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA. 

Extensive investigations in cooperation Avith the Department of 
Agriculture were carried on by the South Dakota station during the 
past season. The whole number of samples analyzed at the South 
Dakota station was 337. For convenience of classification they are 
grouped according to the different regions in the State, and by counties 
in tlie regions as is shown in the following table: 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Ill 



Averages ty counties and regions, 
[From report of Jas. H. Shepard, Chemist of Experiment Station.] 



Region and county. 



BIG STONE LAKE HEQION. 



Eoberts County. 
Grant County... 



Eegion averages 

UPPER SIOUX EIVER REGION. 



Codington County . 

Deuel County 

Kingsbury County . 

Moody County 

Lake County 

Brookings County . 
Minnetialia County 



Region averages 



LOWER SIOUX RIVER REGION. 



Lincoln County 

Turner County 

Hutchinson County . 
Bonhomme County.. 

Clay County 

Yankton County 

Union County 



jion averages 



CENTRAL JAMES RIVER EEGION. 



Miner County... 
Sanborn County. 
Davison County 
McCook County. 



Region averages 



UPPER JAMES EIVER REGION. 



Marshall County 

Brown County 

McPherson County 
Edmunds County... 

Day County 

Clark County 

Spink County 

Beadle County 

Faulk County 

Hyde County 

Hand County 



Number 

of 
samples. 



Region averages 



UPPER MISSOURI RIVER RE- 
GION. 



Campbell County . 
Walworth County. 

Potter County 

Sully County 

Hughes' County ... 



Region averages . 



CENTRAL MISSOURI RIVER RE- 
GION. 



Jerauld County 

Butfalo County 

Brule County ' 

Aurora County 

Douglas County 

Charles Mix County. 



Region averages. 



Tons per 
acre. 



24.6 
16.4 



20.5 



15.7 
8.5 
23.1 
14.1 
16.6 
19.8 
20.2 



16.9 



16.4 
18.2 
19.5 
17.5 
30.5 
19.7 
19.3 



20.2 



21.5 
14.2 
30.1 
22.5 



Per cent 
stand. 



Average Sugar in Purity co- 
weight, beets. efficient. 



Grains. 

387 
397 



Per cent. 
15.3 
13.9 



393 I 



473 
423 
359 
431 
424 
455 
423 



12.9 
14.5 
14.0 
14.2 
13.8 
13.4 
15.2 



427 



14.0 



22.1 



15.1 
26.3 
17.7 
14.5 
22.8 
19.1 
33.6 
12.8 
14.3 
11.8 



18.8 



12.3 
16.6 
17.2 
12.5 

8.3 



13.4 



11.0 
44.0 
17.2 
14.7 
16.8 
23.9 



21. 3 



67 



90 
61 

100 
75 
00 
75 
75 
77 
95 
50 
90 



402 
437 
333 
449 
470 
498 
388 



15.0 
14.5 
19.5 
15.4 
14.7 
14.6 
15.2 



15.6 



329 

373 
470 
423 



14.5 
15.5 
14.8 
15.0 



399 



14.9 



322 
364 
314 
349 
367 
351 
362 
475 
304 
488 
259 

360 



427 
389 
409 
525 
399 



290 
379 
375 
394 
286 
394 



336 



13.7 
13.3 
18.3 
15.1 
13.9 
13.9 
15. 5 
14.5 
18.0 
14.6 
16.8 



15.2 



17.7 
14.9 
15.9 
14.3 

14.8 



15.5 



15.3 
16.] 
16.2 
16.6 
16.4 
14.8 



15.9 



88.0 
87.5 



85.1 
89.2 
86.2 
87.8 
81.2 
86.7 
86.1 



86.0 



Ash in 
the juice. 



0.85 
.90 



.87 
.60 
1.00 
1.15 
1.09 
.88 
1.08 



84.8 
85.1 
88.4 
87.2 
66.2 
86.0 



84.6 
87.4 
86.4 
89.0 



5.9 



85.6 
81.7 
85.3 
84.3 
88.3 
87.2 
89.1 
80.8 
89.5 
84.7 
81.4 



1.17 
1.12 
1.20 

.99 
1.15 
1.03 

.81 



2.06 
.92 
.91 

1.03 



1.23 



.76 
1.06 

.73 
1.18 

.91 
1.08 
1.09 
1.06 
1.28 
1.00 
1.27 



85.8 



84.8 
88.0 
86.7 
85.3 



84.5 
84.3 
82. 4 
80.7 
87.8 
83.2 



84.8 



1.04 



1.20 
1.11 
1.12 
1.12 

1.09 



1.13 



1.28 
1.17 
1.38 
1.10 
.99 
1.25 



1.19 



112 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Averages by counties and regions — Continued. 



Kegion and comity. 


Number 

of 
samples. 


Tons per 
acre. 


Per cent 
stand. 


Average 
weight. 


Sugar in 
beets. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 


Ash in 
the juice. 


WHITE BIVER BEGION. 


I 
1 
1 


4.5.0 
33.0 




Grams. 
421 
445 
263 


Per cent. 
14.9 
14.3 
16.4 


83.1 

82.0 
80.8 


90 




100 


1.07 




1.22 














39.0 


100 


370 


15.2 


82.0 


1.06 








BLACK HILLS REGION. 


10 
5 

1 
4 


16.1 
9.5 
10.0 
15.4 


75 
79 
80 
90 


401 

330 

67 

325 


16.8 
16.4 
14.8 
15.9 


82.1 
82.7 
78.0 

83,7 


1.19 




1.48 




.47 


Fall River County 


1.35 










12.8 


81 


281 


16.0 


81.6 


1.12 








BUTTE EEGION. 


4 

4 




35 
78 


343 
471 


20.7 
10.5 


86.0 
89.4 


1.30 




33.8 


1.18 










33.8 


57 


407 


18.6 


87.7 


1.24 












21.9 


77 


383 


15.5 


85.6 


1.09 









From ail inspection of tlie above data it is seen that the results of the 
exijeriments conducted by the station are quite encouraging. The mean 
average weight of the beets analyzed was a little below the normal, 383 
grams, equivalent to 13.5 ounces. The mean content of sugar in the 
beets was 15.5 per cent, and the mean purity coefficient 85.6. The data 
for yield per acre are probably unreliable, as many reports of tonnage are 
given which are evidently erroneous, as, for instance, in Presho County, 
where a yield of 45 tons i)er acre is reported, and in Pratt County, 33 
tons per acre, a quantity of beets which is not to be expected under 
the most favorable circumstances of growth. In so far as producing a 
crop of beets rich in sugar is concerned, the conditions in South Dakota 
seem to be extremely favorable. Attention, however, should be called 
to former statements that the farmers of tliis State will have to contend 
with the great difiTiculty of an early and sudden coming of winter. If, 
therefore, the industry shoukl secure a hold, this will be tlie most imi>or- 
tant point in the agricultural part of the work to be considered, namely, 
the harvesting and j)reserving of the crop for manufacturing purposes. 
The high purity coefficients which obtain in South Dakota are especially 
encouraging. There is no other State which has equaled South Dakota 
ill the purity of the juices of the beets. There is abundant reason 
found in the data published above to encourage the agricultural exper- 
iment station of the State to continue its work of investigation, and 
to attract the favorable attention of intending investors. 

Texas. 

The northwestern portion of Texas reaches an altitude where the 
thermal conditions become more favorable to beet production. It is 
not to be expected that the southern and western portions of the State 
will ever be seriously considered for this purpose. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



113 



Eleveu samj)les were received from Texas at the ]>epartment of 
Agriculture laboratory, having au average weight of 22 ounces, a mean 
content of sugar in the beets of 12.G per cent, and a mean purity of 76.5. 
All the counties represented were in the northern and western portions 
of the State except McLennan, which is in the center. There is reason 
to believe that on the high i)lateaus in the northwestern portion of the 
State, where irrigation is possible, the culture of the sugar beet might 
be introduced with considerable j^rospects of success. 

A few analyses were made by the agricultural experiment station of 
Texas, and these are given below : 

REVIEW OF THE V.OItIv DONE BY THE AGKICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF 

TEXAS. 

All of the seeds that wo received for distributiou in this State during the past 
season came to hand too late for proper planting in a State so far south as Texas. 
For this reason the dry season jn-evented a fair growth of the beets at an important 
period in their development, and the crops waited for the fall rains to develop size. 
These fall rains were accomijanied by a small per cent of sunshine, resulting in a low 
sugar content. These conclusions are based upon the fact that where beets wore 
planted late and irrigated, the sugar content was higher than when samples were 
grown by late fall rains and then seut us for analysis. Of course the extreme west- 
ern portion of the State produced beets of high sugar content. 

Results of experiments in Texas. 



Name antl address of persons 
from whom beets were re- 
ceived. 



K. B. Edgell, Clarendon, Don- 
ley County, Tex. 
D. \V. Ruckaton, Silverton, 
Briscoe County, Tex. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

It. L. Goble, Garrett, Ellis 

County, Tex. 
L. H. Carpenter, Silverton, 
Briscoe Countj', Tex. 

Do 

Do 

Do 

F. E. Davis, Dublin, Erath 
County, Tex. 

C. W. Griffin, Toyahvale, 
Eeeves County, Tex. 

Do 



Section of State. 



Panhandle tl 
do 



-do, 

.do 

.do, 



Black Land Belt 0" 
Panhandle "D 



do 

do 

do 

Central North i 



Pecos Region n 
do 



Labora- 
tory 
number. 



(*) 



16.8 

15.5 

17.0 
14.0 
13.2 
13.5 

15.2 

13.5 
11.0 
11.3 
12.55 

16.5 
15.0 

21.1 



Sucrose. 



9.69 

11.02 
6.89 
7.98 
7.79 

6.27 



5.04 
5.46 
7.07 

9.69 
9.5 



Purity CO 
eflScieut. 



70. C8 

02.5 

64.82 
49.19 
60.91 

57.7 



41.8 

36.9 
45.7 
48.34 
56.04 

58.7 
63.3 



Weight. 



Lbs. ozs. 
1 10 



2 6 

2 10 

3 11 
1 11 



* 4 beets, 1 sample. 



tKed. 



Tennessee. 

Seventeen samples of beets were received at the laboratory of the 
Department of Agriculture from Tennessee, of which eight were from 
the agricultural experiment station at KnoxviUe. The mean weight of 
the beets received was 11 ounces, the mean liercentage of sugar 10.8, 
and the mean purity 71.9. The mountainous regions of Tennessee are 
probably favorably situated in regard to thermal conditions for the 
H. Doc. 396 8 



114 BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

growing of beets, but the contour of the country will prevent any exten- 
sive planting of this crop. Middle and western Tennessee are evi 
dently too warm for successful beet culture. 

Virginia. 

Thirty-four samples grown in the State of Virginia were received at 
the Department of Agriculture for examination. The mean weight of 
the beets composing these samples was 21 ounces, the mean content of 
sugar in the beets 11.6 i^er cent, and the mean purity 76.2. 

Virginia lies almost entirely south of the region where thermal con- 
ditions are most favorable to beet culture. It is only in the seacoast 
counties, where the temperature is moderated by the sea breezes, and 
in the mountainous counties, where the altitude is great enough to 
lower the temperature, that good results can be expected. A great 
deal of interest has been manifested in the State in regard to the build- 
ing of factories, but it is evident that intending investors as well as 
farmers should stop to consider the matter very seriously before 
investing their money and their labor in this enterprise. 

A few analyses received from Virginia show favorable results, as for 
instance, the sample from Carroll County, weighing 15 ounces, and 
containing 15.4 per cent of sugar in the beet. There is little in the 
data, however, to encourage the belief that Virginia is a favorable 
region for beet growing. 

Investigations were also made by the agricultural experiment sta- 
tion of Virginia, but only to a very limited extent. The data obtained 
on analysis, together with the observations of the official in charge of 
the investigations, are found in the following report: 

INVESTIGATIONS BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF VIRGINIA. 

Before statiixg the results of the analyses made at this station I tliiuk it best to 
make some comments upon the work attempted this season. In the first place, it was 
([uite late before w(5'concluded to undertake the distribution of seeds and then by 
the time they reached us from the Department of Agriculture the season was so far 
advanced that a considerable number of persons to whom the seeds were distributed 
failed to plant them. This, of course, disturbed the experiment to a considerable 
extent. Another disturbing factor was the extreme drought which prevailed during 
the latter part of the season over this State in general, which resulted in many cases 
in practically destroying the crop. As a cousequenco, our results are not what we 
could wish. After much correspondence with those to whom seed was distributed, 
we concluded to analyze only samples representing fairly well the tide- water and 
limestone sections of the State. The results of these analyses follow : 

Sample No. 1. From W. J. Phillips, Accomac County, Va. Weight of whole beet, 
372 grams. Per cent of sugar, 16.11. 

Sample No. 2. From Henry Jones, Suffolk, Nansemond County, Va. Weight of 
whole beet, 1,325 grams. Per cent of sugar, 4.17. 

Sample No. 3. From L. T. Barnes, Boulevard, New Kent County, Va. AA'eight of 
Avhoh^ beet, 5S1 grams. Per cent of sugar, 11.64. 

Sample No. 4. From T. A. Eller, Atkins, Smyth County, Va. Weight of whole 
beet, 760 grams. Per cent of sugar, 9.61. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 115 

Sample No. 5. From experimeut station. Weight of whole heet, 584 grams. Ter 
cent of sugar, 13.63. 

The first three samples represent the eastern section of the State and the last two 
the limestone section. We endeavored to secure sixteen samples covering more 
perfectly the geologic areas of the State, but from the causes above mentioned we 
failed to procure proper samples. 

Dr. McBryde desires mo to say that if the Department wishes us to aid in the con- 
duct of this vrork the coming year we will be pleased to do so, and that the work 
will be taken in hand in proper season and the growing experiments arranged on a 
much hotter plan, so as to secure reliable samples from the different sections of the 
State. 

Experiments in the growth of beets in Virginia during 1897 were 
also made by the State board of agriculture, and are described on page 
206 of the annual report of the board for the year 1897. One hundred 
and eight samples were analyzed during September and October. It 
is stated in this report that these samples varied in saccharine strength 
from 8.5 to 17.1 per cent; thirty-five of them were below 12 per cent, 
and seventy- three showed a saccharine value of from 12 to 17.1 per 
cent, with a coefficient of purity of from 79 to 88.5, or a saccharine 
average of 11.7 per cent, and an average purity coefiicient of 85, which 
is equivalent to 250 pounds of raw sugar per ton of beets. 

The data obtained by the State board of agriculture are more favor- 
able than those secured by the Department of Agriculture or by the 
exjieriment station at Blacksburg. It is hardly probable, however, 
that the map which accompanies the report of the State board of agri- 
culture will be regarded ar a final judgment in regard to the localities 
in Virginia suitable to the growth of beets of the different qualities 
noted. A much larger series of experiments, extending over a greater 
number of years, will be necessary t-y definitely determine that i)oint. 

Washington. 

Thirty-four samples of beetr. grown in the State of Washington were 
received at the Department of Agriculture for analysis. The mean 
weight of the beets received was 27 ounces, the mean ])ercentage of 
sugar 13.7, and the mean purity coefficient 80.7. 

The agricultural experiment station of the State of Washington for 
many years has conducted careful studies in regard to the possibilities 
of producing sugar in that State. During the i)ast year 60 samples of 
beets grown in Washington were analyzed at the laboratory of the 
agricultural experiment station. The mean weight of the beets 
analyzed was 23 ounces, the mean j)ercentage of sugar in the beets 13.6, 
and the mean coeflQcient of j)urity 75.7. Of the whole number 68 j)er 
cent contained over 12 i)er cent of sugar, and 78 per cent weighed more 
than 16 ounces. The reports of the director and chemist of the station 
are given below. 



116 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTEY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Summary of analyses of beets from Washington. 
[Ciimpileil from report of experiment station.] 



Comity. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Net 
weight 
beets. 


Sugar 

in 
beets. 


Coeffi- 
cient 
of 
purity. 


County. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Net 
weight 
beets. 


Sa-ar ^oeffi- 

^'?S cient 

in f 

^««*«- purity. 




1 
7 
20 
2 
8 
4 
3 


Ounces. 
29 
25 
17 
22 
33 
27 
25 


Per ct. 
14.3 
12.0 
15.8 
12.3 
12.5 
13.5 
11.8 


77.7 
73.7 
79.2 
70.9 
72.9 
75.6 
80.4 


King 


10 
1 
2 


Ounces. 
15 
54 
46 


Perct. 

12.1 i 71.4 




Claflam 

Whitman 

Klickitat 

Averages, etc. 


14.3 1 77.4 




14. 2 76. 3 




2 26 


12.4 1 74.5 




' 


San Juan 

Whatcom 


60 


23 13.6 75.7 

1 



RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN WASHINGTON. 

I have the honor to report as follows : 

The appointmeut vras made so late in the summer that it served only the purpose 
of providing for the free transportation of beets to this point for analysis, conse- 
quently the report must necessarily deal with facts of an earlier date chiefly, if it is 
to he of any value as au indication of the adaptability of the soil and climate of the 
State of "Washington to tlie culture of sugar beets. Permit me to say that we 
regarded our experimentation as practically complete before the beginning of this 
year. In consequence of this fact it had been announced early in the season that no 
distribution of seed would be made. At a later period some seed was obtained from 
the Department of Agriculture. The planting season in Washington begins very 
early considering the latitude, and the seed was received too late for general use. 
Seed was, however, supplied to those requesting it, and in the main these requests 
were from localities not so well adapted to the culture of sugar beets, so that the 
results of this year's planting can in no way be taken as representative. 

The Washington State Experiment St.ation began the investigation of this prob- 
lem through its chemical department in the spring of 1894, and conducted it with 
the greatest thoroughness through that and the two succeeding seasons, making more 
than 3,000 analyses. Beets were raised in both small and large plats. The results 
were so uniform as to demonstrate the peculiar adaptability of this region to the 
culture of sugar beets. These results are given in Bulletins 15 and 26 of the State 
experiment station. I submit herewith the report of Professor Fulmer, of the 
department of chemistry, relative to the results of this year. I might mention the 
fact that Professor Fulmer was for some time chemist of a beet-sugar factory in 
Nebraska, and is particularly well fitted for dealing with this subject. The results 
thus far obtained in the State show a percentage of sugar of about 15, and a purity 
of nearly 81. 



Pullman, Wash., January 6, 1S98. 
Dkar Sir: In compliance with your request I hand you herewith a tabulated 
statement of the analyses made in the station laboratory of beets grown from seed 
furnished by the United States Department of Agriculture. The data presented are 
far from being complete. The very important item of "variety of seed "' is entirely 
omitted, because in almost all cases the variety indicated by the grower of the beets 
was not at all in harmony with the characteristics exhibited by the samples. For 
example, beets with pink skins were often marked " Kleinwanzlebener," which is 
a pure white variety. It is quite clear to my mind that the lack of harmony between 
the character of the beets and the names they bore was due to the seed sent out by 
the Government being a mixed seed. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 117 

Parties sending in beets for analysis failed in most cases to stnd any data concern- 
ing the time of planting, thinning, and harvesting; character of soil; amount of 
cultivation, etc. On account of this great lack of reliable data, the meager results 
obtained are of little value. 

I wish to direct your attention to the fact that this kind of experimental work 
with sugar beets in our State is at this time a useless expenditure of time and energy. 
During the past foiir years this station has made over 3,000 analyses of sugar beets 
grown in all parts of the State, and under all conditions of temperature and rainfall. 
The details of these analyses, and of the field experiments, have been published in 
full in Bulletins 15 and 26. The raising of high-grade beets in this .State has been 
fully demonstrated to be a practical success, and we believe any further experimen- 
tation with small plats is wholly unnecessary. 

The uniformly excellent results that we have obtained in the past are in striking 
contrast to the very poor outcome of this year's test. We believe the low sugar 
content and purity exhibited by the beets this year is due to several causes: 

(1) The seed from Washington was received altogether too late in the spring for 
distribution in time for early planting. In most sections of the State the seed 
should be planted not later than the middle of April. 

(2) Nearly all of the samples were grown in sections of the State that have not 
heretofore shown any special adaptability to sugar-beet culture. 

(3) We believe the seed was of poor quality. In support of this assertion I wish 
to call your attention to the samples that were raised at Crescent," in Lincoln County. 
Heretofore this section has always produced high-grade beets. The samples sent in 
by William Adam, P. Carstens, and the first two of W. B. Warren were grown from 
Government seed, and gave a very low sugar content and purit}\ The samples of 
WoUweber, and the last three of Warren, were grown from seed raised at Crescent 
last year, and gave most excellent results. These facts and the very general poor 
quality of samples leads me to regard the seed furnished as an inferior quality. 

The inclosed results do not do justice to our State, and I wish to protest against 
their publication as an index of the character of beets that can be raised here. 
Yours, very respectfully, 

Elton Fulmer, 
Chemist Experiment Station. 
Director E. A. Bryan, 

Pullman^ Wash. 

In regard to the report of the chemist, attention should be called to 
the fact that he is evidently mistaken in regard to the quality of the 
seed sent by the Department of Agriculture. This seed was, of course, 
not of the direct production from high-grade mother beets, but was 
the ordinary commercial seed which was imported by the Oxnard Com- 
pany for distribution among their beet growers. It was the same seed 
which was sent to Michigan and to ISTew York, which produced in 
those States the excellent results which have been recorded in previous 
portions of this report. In over 2,200 analyses of beets which were 
made in this laboratory during the past reason, oidy about 25 samples 
were received which had a pink skin, and in most cases these were 
marked with diiferent names. It is possible, however, that a few seeds 
of this kind may have been mixed in with the large lot of commercial 
seeds which were imported into this country. The Department of 
Agriculture neither purchased nor packed the seeds which were dis- 



118 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tributed, so that the possible admixture of other varieties can not be 
positively denied. 

With the exception of the excessive rainfall on some of the coast 
areas, it has been demonstrated that the State of Washington is well 
suited to the growth of beets of a high grade. An extended report 
on the possibilities of Oregon and Washington for beet production was 
made in Bulletin No. 5 of this Division, the investigations, which were 
published in 1885, having been made in the autumn of 1884. A descrii)- 
tion of the topographical features and climate of western Washington 
is given on pages 103-104 of that bulletin. The conclusions whicii I 
derived from a study of the conditions at the time are given on page 
105 in the following words : 

" lu view of the preceding description I am inclined to Lelie^'e tbat in Washington 
Territory and Oregon, soil and climate are very favorable to the growth of a sugar 
beet of high saccharine strength. 

" The mildness of the winter is, though to a less degree than in California, favorable 
to the season of manufacture. With a wise and careful encouragement of the 
industry I have no hesitation in saying that the prospects for the development of an 
indigenous sugar industry in the extreme northwestern part of our country are 
decidedly bright. It is a field worthy the attention both of experimenters and 
capitalists." 

Investigations whicli have been made subsequent to this period liave 
abundantly verified the predictions given above. The chemist of the 
station, in the results of his work for 1897, says that the data are not so 
favorable as were obtained in preceding investigations, but, as he says, 
the beets analyzed came from parts of the State less favorable to beet 
culture than did those samples which had previously been examined. 
The data obtained by analyses of beets received at the Department 
from Oregon are decidedly favorable. The average size of the beets, 
27 ounces, shows the possibilities of a large yield, while both the con- 
tent of sugar and the purity coefficient are favorable to the production 
of large quantities of sugar from the beets produced. The thermal 
conditions which prevail in Washington are noticed in another place. 
The coast region is cooler than the mean temperature of 69° for the 
summer months, but, as has been remarked before in more than one 
place, this is not unfavorable to the production of high-grade beets j on 
the contrary, rather promotive of it. The mild autumns, especially in 
the western part of the State, afford ample opportunity for the complete 
harvest and care of the beets. In considering the data which have 
been obtained through a long series of years, therefore, it is safe to 
say that there are extensive areas in the St^te of Washington which 
invite the careful consideration of intending investors in the beet- 
sugar industry. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 119 

Wisconsin. 

Forty-two samples of beets were received at the laboratory of the 
Department from Wisconsin, of which number 31 were grown in Dane 
County, representing the beets grown by the agricultural exiDeriment 
station. It is evident, that the mean results of the samples from Wis- 
consin are influenced in a marked degree by those obtained from the 
agricultural experiment station. These loean results therefore repre- 
sent a higher quality of beets than would have been grown in the 
])romiscuous manner already referred to. The mean weight of the 
beets grown in Wisconsin was 15 ounces, the mean content of sugar 
therein was 15.8 per cent, and the mean purity 83.3. The small mean 
size of the beets is due chiefly to the 31 samples received from the 
agricultural experiment station, of which the average weight was only 
11 ounces. With the exception of 1 sample from Outagamie County, 
which weighed only 8 ounces, the other samples were of good size. 
Especially is this true of the 3 samples received from Kacine County, 
the mean weight of which was 34 ounces, the mean content of sugar 
15.4 per cent, and the mean purity 82.6. 

The data obtained by our analyses are encouraging, but, on account 
of the small number of samples, not convincing. Therefore the fol- 
lowing report of the results of the analyses made at the agricultural 
experiment station will show more conclusively the influence of the 
character of the soil and climate of Wisconsin on the quality of sugar 
beets. 

EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED BY THE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION OF 

WISCONSIN. 

Three classes of experiments were conducted by the agricultural 
experiment station of Wisconsin during the year 1897. An elaborate 
report of these experiments has already been printed as Bulletin No. 
64 of that station. The following interesting summaries rej)resent the 
principal data obtained: 

The three methods were the following : 

F'hst method. — A general distribution of seed was made promiscu- 
ously to farmers in the State who desired to experiment. In all, 13,766 
packages were distributed. Each i)ackage contained directions for 
planting and cultivating the beet. One thousand six hundred and 
sixty- three samples of beets grown under these auspices were received 
at tlie station for analysis. The quality of the beets, together with the 
;uialyses of beets grown in 1890, 1891, 1892, and 1897, with a summary 
lor the four years, is shown in the table on page 120. 



120 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Jiesnltn of analyses of sugar beets grown on Wisconsm farms duriug 1S90-1S93 and 1S97. — 

Averages hy counties. 



County. 



Adnms 

Ashland 

Barron 

Bayfield 

Brown 

Buffalo 

Burnett 

Calumet 

Chippewa . . . 

Clark 

Columbia 

Crawford 

Dane 

Dodge 

Door 

Douglas 

Dunn 

Eau Claire. . . 
Fond du Lac. 

Forest 

Grant 

Green 

Green Lake.. 

Iowa 

Iron 

Jackson 

Jefferson 

Juneau 

Kenosha 

Kewaunee ... 

La Crosse 

Lafayette 

Langlade 

Lincoln 

Manitowoc . . 

Marathon 

Marinetto . . . 
Marquette . . . 
Milwaukee . . 

Monroe 

Oconto 

Oneida 

Outagamie . . . 

Ozaukee 

Pepin 

Pierce 

Polk 

Portage 

Price 

Racine 

Kichland 

Rock 

St. Croix 

Sauk 

Sawyer 

Shawano 

Sheboygan . . 
Taylor 



1890-1892. 






P.ct 
11.99 



12.74 



10.75 

13.48 



16.67 
12.72 
14.15 
12.28 
10.09 
12.98 
11.77 
14.59 



12.49 
11.70 
12.13 
9.64 
10.24 
12.84 
11.31 
11.32 



h-2 
.-fe 5 



P.ct. 

76.1 



77.0 



74.9 

77.4 



82.6 
77.5 
81.4 
74.7 
72.0 
76.7 
76.2 
80.0 



79.8 
76.0 
74.1 
72.5 
69.3 
77.5 
78.1 
74.9 



7.79 
43.96 I 
13.04 
12.71 
13.58 
12.58 
12.27 
12.91 
17.43 
12.61 
12.67 

8.77 



15.51 
12.32 
13.76 



11.48 
13.14 
14.71 



11.09 
12.02 



14.27 
11.34 
12.96 
12.55 
9.67 
10.69 
12.53 
11.71 
13.61 



65.6 
79.0 
76.0 
78.1 
77.1 
76.1 
77.0 
81.4 
85.9 
80.4 
76.5 
64.5 



Tons 
9.3 



17.7 



17.9 
15.9 



14.7 
23.6 
10.9 
15.5 
15.3 
14.4 
20.7 
21.4 



11.5 
14.0 
11.0 
6.0 
13.2 
15.2 



27.8 



17.5 
25.3 
21.8 
35.1 
15.2 
26.4 
24.1 
13.1 
16.4 
16.1 
28.5 



83.4 ! 19.8 

76.2 

80.7 



12.3 
13.5 



75. 2 23. 6 
79. 20. 7 
79.1 11.9 



75.4 ' 

75. 1 12. 5 



80.6 
79.6 
76.7 
74.7 
71.5 
73.8 
76.3 
74.3 
78.9 



10.5 
12.9 
11.4 
19.9 
23.8 
20.1 
16.9 
16.8 
8.8 



1897. 






6 

5 

15 

1 

101 






P.ct. 
13.67 
11.42 
12.94 
10.96 
13.12 
12,96 
12.92 
12.61 
12.18 
11.97 
12.68 
12.00 
13.51 

12. 86 
15.11 
13.92 
12.97 
10.70 
12.04 
11.31 
12.21 
10.16 
12.00 
10.40 

9.90 
11.57 
13.55 
12.34 
14.31 
13.38 
12.75 
10.47 
11.51 
13.09 
13.42 
11.99 
13.23 
13.19 
14.17 
12.36 
15.48 
13.78 
13.06 
14.00 
11.82 
12.58 
11.90 
13.12 
10.43 

13. 75 
10.61 
13.97 
12.11 
12.78 



13.35 
12.96 
10.87 



be 



p. ct. 

75.5 
74.2 
74.3 
73.5 
75.5 
75.3 
75,0 
72.4 
74.2 
74.9 
71.8 
72.3 
71.3 
71.9 
77.4 
78.8 
73.7 
73.8 
71.2 
70.2 
71.2 
65.5 
72.9 
70.2 
64.7 
77.4 
72.8 
72.9 
74.2 
75.4 
80.6 
66.3 
70.8 
75.9 
74.9 
72.3 
76.6 
77.7 
77.7 
73.1 
79.6 
75.5 
75.4 
75.7 
73.7 
73.2 
72.6 
73.2 
67.2 
75.3 
68.7 
73.5 
72.2 
72.4 



*r- 



Summ.nry for four years. 



.a Pi 

ai 



Tons. 
10.2 

3.0 
12.0 
16.5 
14.0 
11.2 
18.0 
11.8 
11.7 
11.7 
13.4 

9.7 
12.7 
12.5 
10.0 
10.7 
12.6 
11.0 
16.6 
15.0 
13.0 
14.0 
11.5 
12.0 
15.5 
10.6 
15. 

6.2 
15.0 
14.2 
12.5 

9.4 
11.0 

4.5 
14.4 
12.4 

9.5 

8.0 
15.2 
11.4 
17.4 



16.0 
11.1 
23.5 
15.0 
17.3 
8.3 
11.0 
14.3 
15.3 
15.1 
13.3 
13.0 



75. 8. 2 
78.0 1 15.1 
70.6 13. C 



9 

5 
18 

1 

105 

17 

2 
56 
47 
68 
49 

6 
58 
60 
18 

8 
39 
73 
48 

2 

35 
10 
14 

8 

1 
65 
36 
15 
14 
104 
70 
lu 
10 
10 
65 
53 
29 
15 
20 
40 
23 

4 
77 
22 

9 
12 

6 
41 

7 
21 
24 
53 
26 
31 

1 
35 
82 
25 



P.ct. 
13.11 
11.42 
12.90 
10.96 
13.03 
13.24 
12.92 
13.19 
12. 25 
12! 19 
12.53 
10.76 
13.37 
12.62 
15.02 
13.92 
12.86 
10.84 
12.07 
10.47 
11.74 
11.77 
12.01 
11.20 
9.96 
11.51 
13.81 
12.63 
14.19 
13.44 
12.72 
11.19 
11.59 
14.39 
13.22 
12.10 
12.92 
13.19 
14.57 
12.34 
14.56 
13.78 
12. 77 
13.81 
13.43 
12.56 
11.76 
12.91 
10.4;) 
13.85 
10.88 
13.64 
12.24 
11.98 
10.69 
13.19 
12.55 
12.52 



■£s 



75.9 

74.2 
74.7 
73.5 
75.5 

76.4 
75.0 
73.8 
75.2 
75.6 
72.9 
72.1 
72.6 
73.0 
77.7 
78.8 
75.6 
74.1 
71.7 
71.3 
70.5 
72.7 
73.2 
74.3 
64.7 
77.2 
76.8 
74.1 
74.5 
75.8 
79.9 
70.6 
72.1 
78.9 
76.3 
73.0 
75.7 
77.7 
79.4 
74.3 
80.2 
75.5 
75.3 
76.5 
76.6 
73.2 
73.0 
73. C 
67.2 
76.3 
72.8 
74.5 
73.0 
72.2 
73.8 
75.3 
76.8 
75.5 



-2 p. 



Tons. 
9.8 
3.0 
14.1 
16.5 
14.3 
13.0 
18.0 
12.1 
15.1 
11.6 
14.2 
13.1 
13.2 
13.8 
13.0 
16.7 
12.2 
11.5 
15.1 
10.5 
13.0 
15.0 
11.5 
22.5 
15.5 
10.6 
16.5 
13.2 
15.7 
16.8 
13.0 
10.0 
12.0 
10.9 
14.8 
12.9 
10.9 
8.0 
18.4 
11.8 
15.1 



16.6 
13.0 
17.7 
15.0 
17.3 
9.3 
11.0 
13.9 
14.4 
14.0 
15.3 
14.8 
26.1 
10.4 
15.6 
11.0 



It will be noticed tliat the table includes the analyses of 527 samples 
collected during the years 1890-91-92, together with the 1,G63 collected 
in 1897, or a total of 2,190 samples. In the discussion of the analytical 
data Mr. F. \Y. Woll, who has compiled the report, makes the follow- 
ing interesting observations : 

Sixty-eight of tho counties of the State arc represented in the sii.nar-beet analyses 
made during the past season. Brown county leads with 101 samples of beets, 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 121 

Kewaunee being second, witli 74 samples. Ten counties furnished 50 or more sam- 
ples eacli. The highest average for the sugar in the juice, 11 samples analyzed, was 
obtained for Oconto County, namely, 15.48 per cent with a purity coefficient of 
79.6, followed by Door County, which gave 15.11 per cent sugar in the juice, purity 
77.4, as the average of 15 samples. The average sugar content of the juice of the 
beets was above 12 per cent in case of 49 counties, above 13 per cent in case of 26 
counties, and above 14 per cent in case of 8 counties. 

AdajHahility of different paris of iJie State to sugar-beet culture. — A close study of the 
results given in the preceding tables will be of interest, and is necessary in order to 
properly understand the situation of the question of sugar-beet culture in our State. 
The table indicates what an investigation continued through four growing seasons 
has revealed as to the adaptability of the soil in different parts of the State to the 
culture of this crop. In case of a few counties, especially the extreme northern 
ones, the number of analyses made is not sufficiently large to warrant our drawing 
definite conclusions as to the quality of beets there grown, but in the large majority 
of counties the number of analyses is ample to be considered, a true representation 
of what beets grown in the respective counties will show when raised by farmers 
who have no special knowledge of the requirements of the sugar beet as to culture, 
soil, etc. 

If the averages of the sugar contents for the various counties, as given in the last 
table, be marked on a Wisconsin map, and the counties whose averages come, say, 
above 13 and above 14 jier cent of sugar in the juice be shaded, it will at once be 
noticed that the counties producing the richest beets are those lying east and south- 
east of the Wisconsin River, and those in the northwestern corner of the State along 
the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, from Buffalo County and north. The Lake 
Shore region is shown to be peculiarly well adapted to the culture of sugar beets; 
all counties producing beets with an average content of sugar in the juice above 14 
per cent in the past season's analyses border on Lake Michigan or are adjacent to 
counties bordering on this lake. 

Mr. Woll is also of tlie opinion that those soils of tlie State which 
have been derived from limestone are best suited to the growth of sugar 
beets. He makes the following comment in regard to the sugar content 
of the beets : 

Sugar content of beets. — The table shows that the average per cents of sugar in the 
juice for the years given were as follows: 1890-1892, 12.76 per cent; 1897, 12.67 per 
cent, or an average of 12.70 per cent for the years 1890-1897, the last figure being 
the mean of nearly 2,200 analyses. The usual minimum standard for beets adapted 
to factory purposes is 12 per cent sugar in the beet. Since beets contain about 95 
per cent of juice, this will correspond to r,j = 12.63 per cent of sugar in tlie juice. 
Our average therefore exceeds this minimum figure by a small fraction of 1 per cent. 

The influence of the character of the soil upon the weight, sugar con- 
tent, and i)urity of the beets is summarized by Mr. Woll in the following 
statements : 

In the sections of our State where exclusive grain raising has given way to diver- 
sified farming, dairying, stock raising, or market gardening, the land is usually in 
a good state of fertility, and a sufficient amount of barnyard manure is produced 
every year so that no artificial fertilizers need be purchased. But where grain rais- 
ing is still continued as the sole reliance of the farmers, there is no hope for sugar- 
beet culture until the system of farming is changed, and the manure produced by 
the stock kept is carefully saved and applied, or commercial fertilizers are purchased 
for the beet fields. 



122 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Second method. — The second liue of investigations conducted by tlie 
experiment station consisted in the establishment of substations in dif- 
ferent parts of the State. As was mentioned in a previous part of this 
report, this is by far the most hopeful manner of conducting an agri- 
cultural survey of the State for the purpose of determining its suita- 
bility for the growth of sugar beets. In all, 33 iarmers who took charge 
of this substation work made comi)lete reports to the central station. 
The average expense per acre reported by 32 of these was $28.73. One 
report, shov/iiig an expense of $94.34 per acre, was excluded from the 
average. The average yield per acre, as reported from the 33 stations, 
was 29,850 pounds, or 14.9 tons of 2,000 pounds each per acre. This 
yield includes only 27 returns, since 6 of the substations failed to return 
the yield per acre. The lowest yield per acre reported was (3 tons, and 
the highest 24.8 tons. The average result of the analyses of the sam- 
ples from the different substations is shown in the following table: 



Average for 23 substations in southern 
half of state (30 and 31 samples, re- 
spectively) 

Average for 13 substations in iiortberu 
half of State (17 and 15 samples, re- 
spectively) 

Average for 36 substations (47 and 46 
samples, respectively) 



Weight 
of beets. 



Pounds. 

1.17 

1.42 
1.26 



Sugar in 
juice. 



Per cent. 

13.58 

13.35 
13.49 



Purity co- 
efficient. 



Per cent. 

80.0 

81.7 
80.6 



Weight 
of beets. 



Poundg. 

1.79 

1.59 
1.72 



Sugar in 
juice. 



Per cent. 

15.35 

14.97 
15.22 



Purity co- 
ethcient. 



Per cent. 

79.0 

82.5 
80.2 



For the first attempt at collecting data by a complete agricultural 
survey, the above results may be regarded as exceedingly encouraging. 
With larger experience on the part of the farmers in charge of the 
experiments, however, much more valuable and convincing data might 
be obtained. 

Third method. — The third class of experiments conducted by the 
Wisconsin station consisted in investigations at the station farm itself. 
For the details of these experiments Bulletin 64 may be consulted. The 
following is a summary: 

The field selected for the experiments was divided into two portions. 
The eastern half had been a meadow continuously since it came into 
cultivation up to 1895, when rape was grown thereon, followed by a 
crop of peas in 1890. The western half of the field had been plowed 
only once during the past twenty years, when it was cultivated in 
Indian corn. It had been pastured during the past ten years until 
1896, when it was planted to rape and the rape eaten off by sheep. 
The beet crop did not do well on this field, the whole northwestern 
portion of it, after the 1st of August, showing no increase in the 
growth of the beets, the foliage turning yellow and the plants dying 
away to a large extent. Tlie field was plowed 6 inches deep on May 7, 
and plowed again 12 inches deep on May 20. About four-fifths of it 



BEET-SUGAE INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



123 



was subsoiled to a depth of 6 incites. The agricultural analytical data 
obtained from this field are given in the following table: 

Yield ofheets and of sugar pe?' acre, main field. 



Name of seed. 



Kleinwan^lobener, Neb 

Desprez, Men 

Klein wanzlebener, Agnew . . 
Kleinwanzlebener, Hoerning 

Vilmorin Improved 

Vilmoriu Kleinwanzlebener. 

Vilmorin French 

Kleinwanzlebener, rioto * . . 

Desprez White, No. 2 * 

Desprez White, No. 2 B * . . . 
Wernich's Kleinw., Floto*. . 

Demesmay " 

Kleinwanzlebener, Neb. (2) * 



Averages, etc 30, 121 



Eastern half. 



Yield 

of beets 

from 

plat. 

Pounds 
3,422 
2,826 
3,053 
2,875 
2,221 
2,473 
2,485 
2, 258 
2,081 
2,108 
2,111 
1,321 



Yield 

of beets 

per 

acre. 



Pounds. 
24, 010 
22, OGO 
21, 450 
20, 160 
15, 610 
17, 380 
17, 460 
15, 800 
14, 620 
]4, 810 

14, 840 

15, 510 
20, 760 



18, 043 



Sugar 
in the 
beet. 



Per ct. 
12.72 
11.71 
10.96 
15.04 
14.68 
10.65 
11.26 
14.24 
10.95 
15.05 
15.65 
14.23 
15.83 



Sugar 
per 
acre. 



Poiinds 
3,059 
2,543 
2,352 
3,038 
2,291 
1,850 
1,966 
2,259 
1,602 
2,228 
2,320 
2,207 
3,287 



13.22 2,385 



Western half. 



Yield 

ofheets 

from 

plat. 



Founds. 

2,874 
3,122 
2,301 
1,299 

1, 308 
2,728 

2, 701 
1,472 
1,429 
1,408 
1,236 

799 
355 



23, 032 



Yield 

of beets 

per 

acre 



Pounds. 
25, 030 
30, 230 
32, 120 
20, 210 
15, 030 
23, 770 
23. 540 
12, 820 
12,460 
12, 270 

10, 760 

11, 600 
10, 300 



18,472 



Sugar 
in the 
beet. 



Per ct, 

15.80 
13.71 
15.17 
17.06 
14.28 
14.98 
13.58 
14.05 
14. .38 
11.71 
13.62 
10,28 
10.75 



14.18 



Sugar 
per 



Pounds. 
3,959 
4,144 
4, 87;{ 
8, 448 
2,141 
3,561 
3,196 
1,801 
1,790 
1,436 
1,467 
1,192 
1,058 



2,620 



* Not included in average for western half. 

Tiie cost of cultivating this field is given as follows: 

Cost of growing an acre of sugar heels. — A careful account was kept throngliout the 
season of the labor douo on the 3-acre beet field; valuing labor as previously given, 
we have the following summary : 

Plowing and preparing the laud $12. 42 

Planting 1.70 

Cultivating, hoeing, thinning and transplanting 51. 63 

Harvesting and placing in cellar 31. 60 

Total 97.35 

This sum, $97.35, or $32.45 per acre, does not include the cost of seed or rent of 
land. It is nearly $4 higher than the corresponding figure obtained as the average 
for 28 substations ; the greater cost with us is easily accounted for by the weedy 
condition of the western half of the field, as well as by the fact that the harvesting 
of our beets was a comparatively slow and difficult job, since the different lots and 
varieties had to be harvested and kept separately. 

Ill addition to the work summarized above the station took part in 
the growth of high-grade beets on special plats under the supervision of 
the Department. The results of these experiments are given in another 
place. 

Wyoming. 

Thirty-four samples of beets grown in Wyoming were received at 
the Department of Agriculture for analysis. The mean weight of the 
beets received was 19 ounces, the mean content of sugar in the beet 
17.2 per cent, and the mean purity 82.3. These data are exceptionally 
fine, and sbow that, in so far as the production of a crop is concerned, 
Wyoming will be able to compete with any State in the Union. The 
thermal conditions which prevail in the State are extremely irregular, 
the low valleys having warm and the high plateaus cool summers. It 



124 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

is evident that only on the plateaus, where the laud is reasonably level, 
and where irrigation can be practiced, will it be possible to grow, with 
absolute certainty, a crop of beets of high saccharine strength. 

Among the counties of Wyoming the two which furnish the most data 
are Converse and Big Horn. Converse County lies in the southeastern 
part of the State and Big Horn in the northwestern. In the beets 
from Converse County the average weight was 26 ounces, the mean 
content of sugar 17.8 per cent, and the inean coefficient of purity, 82.2. 
Big Horn County furnished six samples, of which the average weigiit 
was 20 ounces, the mean content of sugar 18.7 per cent, and the mean 
coefficient of purity 82.2. 

When these analyses were made, showing such fine results, we wrote 
at once to the parties to see if we could not get a quantity of the beets 
for mothers in producing beet seed. The reply was made that they 
had all been frozen, and therefore no samples could be furnished. This 
reply to our inquiry indicates the chief difficulty to be encountered in 
Wyoming in introducing the beet industry, namely, the sudden advent 
of cold weather and the severity of the early winters in that locality. 
In Big Horn County some of the altitudes are 10,000 feet, and the whole 
county has a very great elevation. In the southeastern portion of the 
State the altitude generally reaches 7,000 feet. It is evident, therefore, 
that these high elevations give cool summers and favor the early advent 
of winter. 

Another point to be considered is the mountainous character of the 
State, which, of course, precludes the possibility of culture over exten- 
sive areas. In low valleys protected by mountain ranges, if from 
15,000 to 25,000 acres of land in a body could be secured, it seems proba- 
ble that the industry of beet growing might be introduced with every 
probability of success. The temperature conditions, however, of Octo- 
ber and November should be most carefully considered, as it would 
doubtless be necessary, even in the most favored valleys of Wyoming, 
to have the beets securely protected by the middle or end of November. 
This short harvesting season can not help but add a great deal to the 
cost of production, and hence must be taken into consideration. 

In that part of the country also the question of the supply of water 
is a very important factor, and must not be lost sight of, as not only 
will water be required for the growing of crops, but also in immense 
quantities for manufacture. 

The data at hand only permit us to study the comi)osition of the 
beet itself, and surely Wyoming is to be. congratulated on having 
produced, judged from the limited number of samples supplied, an 

excellent quality of beets. 

Vermont. 

Oul}^ 8 samples of beets from Vermont were received at the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture, and these Avere of very high quality. The mean 
weight of the samples received was 22 ounces, the mean content of 
sugar in the beet 14.2 per cent, and the mean coefficient of purity, 84.1. 



. BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 125 

At tlie agricultural experiment station of Vermont 32 samj)les were 
received. The average weight of the beets received at the experiment 
station was 17 ounces, the mean percentage of sugar in the beet 1C.3, 
and the mean purity 84.2. In reporting the results of the experiments 
the director of the station makes the following observations : 

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN VERMONT. 

One hundred persons guaranteed at the outset of the season to grow the crop and 
ship us samples. We had returns from twenty-seven. The remaining seventy-three, 
however, were not so much at fault as was the Weather Bureau. The weather 
throughout the State during the months of May, June, and July and the iirat part 
of August was execrable, there being several times the normal rainfall. In almost 
every case of not sending samples the report was that the crop was drowned out. 
It strikes me as somewhat doubtful whether the results obtained in the twenty- 
seven cases reported are truly representative of what might be expected under 
normal conditions of weather. The jjercentages of sugar certainly run quite 
high. I find that several of the growers sent their samples to Washington. I 
should be gratified, if it were possible, to receive the statement of the analyses, as 
we may wish to make some use of the sugar-beet data ourselves, which, as I iinder- 
stand, we are at liberty to do. 

The majority of those who made a failure of the work this year expressed their 
desire to try again next year. 

Of 32 beets analyzed at the agricultural experiment station of Ver- 
mont the number containing from 12 to 14 per cent of sugar was 2 • the 
number containing from 12 to 14 per cent of sugar and weighing 16 
ounces or over was 1 ; the number containing more than 14 per cent of 
sugar was 28 ; the number containing more than 14 j)er cent of sugar 
and weighing 16 ounces or more was 12. 

It is seen from the above data that the only limitations upon the 
growing of beets in Vermont are the extent of the area suitable to the 
culture of the beets and the length of the growing season. It is evi- 
dent, in so far as growth is concerned, that such a season as that of 
1897 is capable of producing beets of the highest grade, but the growing 
season includes properly the season of harvest and preservation of the 
beets. The high northern latitude of Vermont and the early and severe 
winters must be taken into consideration in this particular. Vermont 
is also a mountainous country, and the areas of level land are not 
proportionately so great as in most of the States which have been 
considered for beet growing. Where bodies of from 15,000 to 25,000 
acres of level and fertile land can be found with the autumnal condi- 
tions favorable for the harvest and preservation of the beets, tkere is no 
reason to doubt the possibility of successfully establishing the beet- 
sugar industry. 

INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE QUALITY OF SUGAR BEETS. 

The influence of temperature and other climatic conditions upon the 
growth of beets is discussed under the head of special experiments in 
growing beets from high-grade seeds. It will be interesting, however, 
to compare the deductions from that discussion with those from data 



126 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



obtaiued from certain parts of the country where favorable conditions 
exist for making this comparison. The States of Ohio, Indiana, and 
Illinois are situated in a peculiarly favorable manner for a study of this 
kind. Each of these States has a portion of its area in the theoretical 
thermal belt and a large portion of its area outside of that belt. In 
each of these States, therefore, the data received from the various 
counties were classified into three portions, namely, the northern, the 
central, and the southern belts. 

The following is a tabulation of the data from each one of these 
sections in the three States : 

Relation of latitude to development of sugar content. 





Northern belt. 


Central belt. 


Southern belt. 




Average 

weigh t"of 

beets. 


Sugar 

in 
beets. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Average 

weight of 

beets. 


Sugar 

in 
beets. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Average 

weight of 

beets. 


Sugar 

in 
beets. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Ohio 


Ounces. 
29.4 
18.9 
22.0 


Per ct. 
13.6 
13.3 
13.2 


79.4 
81.9 
79.3 


Ounces. 
32.6 
18.5 
20.0 


Per ct. 
13.2 
12.9 
11.5 


78.0 
80.7 
75.4 


Ounces. 
35.0 
14.2 
19.0 


Per ct. 

12.2 
10.7 
11.1 


75.3 
78.0 
74.7 









The data in the above table have a peculiar value in establishing, 
by experimental results, the validity of the scheme employed in the 
construction of the theoretical thermal belt suitable to the growing of 
beets. In every one of the States mentioned there is a gradual deteri- 
oration in the quality of the beet, both as respects its sugar content 
and its purity, in ])assing from the northern to the southern belt of the 
State. It may be said that the difference between the two extreme 
areas is not very great, and that for this reason it would be advis- 
able to establish factories indiscriminately in one or the other of the 
belts, according to more or less favorable local conditions, aside from 
the sugar content of the beet. The ftillacy of this statement, however, 
will be evident to anyone who studies carefully the conditions of manu- 
facture. An increase of 1 per cent in the sugar content of the beet 
means an increase of 20 pounds per ton in the amount of sugar manu- 
factured, without any corresponding increase in the expense of manufac- 
ture. In other words, the cost of extracting the sugar from a ton of 
beets which would yield 180 pounds would be just as great as that 
attending a ton of beets which would yield 200 pounds of sugar. But 
the additional value of the 20 pounds of sugar manufactured might 
in many instances determine whether the business would be con- 
ducted at a profit or a loss. The above assumi)tion is true on the 
supposition that the coeflScient of i^urity remains the same in each case. 
When we consider in addition to the loss of the sugar, the deprecia- 
tion in the purity of the juice, the discrei^ancy between the sections 
becomes all the greater. Not only is the loss attending the lower 
sugar content of the beet to be considered, but also the additional loss 



BEET SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 127 

which is coupled with the lower purity. In other words, a ton of beets 
with a coefficient of purity of 80, which would yield 200 pounds of 
sugar by the ordinary processes of manufacture, would yield very 
much less than this if the purity coefficient should fall to 76, and 
would yield very much more if it should rise to 85. The data obtained 
in the above table aftbrd convincing- proof of the fact that it is not safe 
to push the manufacture of beet sugar too far south of the theoretical 
thermal belt-, unless the depreciation in the sugar content and jmrity of 
the beet is compensated for by some remarkable local factors, in the 
way of cheapness of manufacture, which will make good the loss due to 
the low content of sugar and the low purity of the juice. These figures, 
obtained in tliis miscellaneous way, are fully corroborated by the care- 
ful experimental data obtained in the culture of high-grade beets at the 
six stations which are mentioned in another place. From exactly the 
same seeds, planted in exactly the same way and cultivated in the same 
manner, exceptionally high-grade beets of fine sugar content and high 
purity were obtained from the ISTew York station, good beets were 
grown at the Wisconsin station, fairly good beets at the Iowa station, 
beets with a fairly good content of sugar but diminutive in size on 
account of the drought at the Indiana station, beets of good size and 
very low content of sugar at the Kentucky station, beets of only mini- 
mum content of sugar and very small size at the Tennessee station. 
These results are such as should be studied carefully by intending 
investors who desire to place their money where the certainty of return 
is the greatest. With such magnificent areas open to cultivation as are 
found in the States of New York, northwestern Pennsylvania, northern 
Ohio, northern Indiana, and southern Michigan, it would not be wise for 
men of capital to select localities which the figures at hand indicate are 
less favorable to the production of high-grade beets. The data which 
have been obtained from ISTew York and from Michigan indicate that 
with the best i^rinciples of culture, with good fertilization and skilled 
oversight, beets can be grown over wide areas fully equal in sugar-pro- 
ducing power to those which are grown by the skilled farmers of Ger- 
many. On the other hand, it is qiiite certain that if the area of culture 
be pushed to the south, so as to fall entirely without the limits of the 
thermal belt, the same fertility of soil, the same fertilization, and the 
same care in culture will produce beets less rich in sugar, with a lower 
purity, and yielding less sugar per ton than those grown in the locali- 
ties first mentioned. 

As to how far the successful growth of the sugar-beet industry can 
be iDUshed north of the limit of 69°, it may be said that the only con- 
dition to be considered in this matter is the possibility of producing 
and ripening a crop and harvesting it before the rigors of winter set in. 
The culture of the sugar beet may be very successfully practiced in 
localities where the mean summer temperature falls even as low as 64P, 



128 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

provided the latitude is far euougli north to get sufficient sunshine 
to mature the beets before the frosts of autumn. If tlie uutumn be 
mikl and merge gradually into winter, the limit of successful culture 
will be found where the freezing weather of winter cuts short the time 
required for the harvesting and siloing of the crop of beets. In the 
light of the data at present available, therefore, the southern limit of 
the sugar-beet belt may be regarded as the isotherm of 71° for the three 
summer months, occasionally pushing 50, 75, or even more miles south 
of this line, where exceptional conditions of soil and manufacturing 
facilities are presented. The facts of the case, however, warrant the 
statement that the safer plan will be not to push south of the isotherm 
of 71° so long as equally favorable conditions of soil and manufacture 
are obtainable north of this line of demarcation. It is deemed wise to 
dwell particularly ui^on this subject, because of the fact that so many 
people living south of the isotherm of 71° are vitally interested in this 
matter and so eager to have the industry established in the neighbor- 
hoods in which they live. The conclusions which have been drawn are 
not meant to discourage experimental work in areas widely remote from 
those mentioned. It is only just, however, to call attention to the fact 
that investments of large amounts of capital which result disastrously 
do more to deter the successful establishment of an industry than a 
much larger number of successful investments favor it. For instance, 
in the State of Wisconsin we have an illustration of the financial failure 
of an attempt to manufacture beet sugar, and as a result of this fail- 
ure it will be difficult to induce capital to look for investment in 
Wisconsin in the sugar-bret industry, although the conditions in that 
State are exceedingly favorable to success. Had it not been for the 
failure of the factory projected at Menominee Falls, it is quite certain 
that other capital would be invested in the State at the ijresent time, 
and instead of the industry being in a stagnant condition it would be 
advancing on the road toward success. It is extremely important that 
no mistakes be made from a financial point of view, and that every 
precaution to avoid these mistakes be observed. When subsequent 
experimentation shall have demonstrated that there are areas outside, 
and especially south of the theoretical belt, equally as well suited to the 
growth of beets sufficiently rich in sugar as those which have been 
mentioned, it will be time enough to ask capital to seek investment 
in those localities. 

SUGAR BEETS AS CATTLE FOOD. 

Thousands of farmers in various parts of the country are growing- 
beets in an experimental way and have no opportunity to dispose of 
their product to sugar factories. These farmers may, nevertheless, 
find the growing of small quantities of sugar beets profitable by using 
the product for cattle food. Following is an anpiysis lately made in 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



129 



this laboratory of a sample of sugar beets received from a locality 
such as is mentioued above: 

Composition of fresh hcet ptilp. 



Moisture 

Fiber (crude) 

Ash 

Etlier extract (fat) 

Proteids 

Sugar and other carbohydrates 



Fresh 
pulp. 



lOU. 00 



Dry 
matter. 



Per cent. 


Per cent. 


73.87 




1.53 


5.89 


1.35 


5.18 


.11 


.42 


2.21 


8.47 


20.93 


80.04 



100. 00 



The sample iii question coutained 73.87 per cent of water and 26.13 
per ceut of dry matter. The analyses of hundreds of samples of beets 
in this laboratorj^ show tliat the average content of fiber, usually called 
"marc," is about 5 per cent. In the process of analysis all this marc is 
dissolved except that which is entered above as crude fiber, namely, 
1.53 per cent. The difference between this and the 5 per cent average 
content of marc, namely, 3.47 per cent, shows the quantity of carbohy- 
drate matter not sugar contained in the 20.93 per cent of total sugars 
and carbohydrates. The quantity of sugar in the sample analyzed 
was, therefore, 17.40 per cent. Practically all, however, of the carbo- 
hydrates, except those represented by the crude fiber, are digestible, so 
that the soluble marc has practically the same food value as the sugar 
itself. The ratio of the proteid matter to the digestible carbohydrates 
plus fat multiplied by 2|^, is 9.59. This ratio shows that the food is 
particularly a fattening one, and could be used to great advantage in 
preparing fat stock for market. The analysis also indicates that the 
food, to secure the best results for all round sustenance, should be fed 
with some highly nitrogenous ration in order to secure a smaller ratio 
between the two groups of nutrients. It may be said with perfect con- 
fidence that it will be far more profitable for the farmer to grow sugar 
beets at 12 tons per acre for cattle food than other root crops, such 
as turnips and rutabagas, which will yield double that quantity per 
acre. The food value of these crops does not depend upon the gross 
tonnage, but ui)oii the actual nutrients which they contain. Sugar 
beets contain, as is seen, over 20 per cent of their weight of actual 
nutrients, while turnips and radishes may contain only from G to 12 
per cent. 

USE OF BEET PULPS FOR CATTLE FOOD. 

The residue from beet factories, in the form of the beet pulp, is also 
a valuable cattle food. In this country no carefully controlled feed- 
ing experiments have been conducted with this material, but the 
question has been studied most thoroughly in Europe, and the data 
obtained can be used for our guidance. There is practically no dif- 
ference in chemical composition between the beet pulps obtained in 
H, Doc. 396 9 



130 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Europe and in this country, so that the deductions to be drawn from the 
feeding exi^eriments in that country can be applied with perfect safety 
to similar work here. At many of the factories in this country practi- 
cal feeding tests have been made, and with favorable results. Having- 
heard that successful experiments in feeding cattle and sheep had 
been conducted at the factory of the Pecos Valley Beet Sugar Com- 
pany, I addressed a letter to the manager of that factory, and received 
the following reply: 

Eddy, N. Mex., February 21, 189S. 

Dear Sir: I have your letter of tlie 14th. Shortly before the close of our cam- 
paign, Mr. A. J. Crawford, a large sheop owner of this section, looked into the 
(luestion of feeding beet pulp to sheeji, and finally decided to try a bunch of 500 
lambs as an experiment. These lambs Avere the culls of his tiock, and when brought 
to the feeding pens at the factory were in Aery poor condition. In a few days they 
took to the pulp very readily, and are now eating 7 to 10 pounds of pulp per day 
each, with siifficient hay (alfalfa) as roughening. They have picked up wonder- 
fully during the time they have been here, and Mr. Crawford tells me that they are 
now the best looking of any he has. He is so well satisfied Avith the result of his 
experiment that about a week ago he brought in 2,000 ewes with the intention of 
feeding them on the pulp during the lambing season. You, of course, arc aware 
that the pulp is a great milk jiroducer, and by feeding it Mr. Crawford Avill be able 
to carry both ewes and lambs through in good shape until the grass comes, and, 
of course, thereby prcA'ent the loss which he would otherwise have to stand of the 
many ewes and lambs Avhich would die on the range. 

When the lambing season is over and Ave see hoAv the sheep come through I shall 
be glad to write you fully. Mr. CraAvford is anxious to make a contract for all our 
next year's pulj), and I have no doubt that the feeding of sheep on pulp in this 
valley Avill become quite an industry. 

Yours, truly, A. S. Goetz, 

General Manager. 

Mr. H. W. Wiley, 

Division of Chemistry, Washington, D. C. 

It is evident from the above that these iiractical experiments in feed- 
ing, although not controlled by actual chemical analyses, have been 
eminently successful, and it is not at all unlikely that within a few 
years our beet factories will be able to contract in advance for all the 
pulp which they can possibly produce. To illustrate more clearly the 
value of the pulp and its value for feeding purposes, the following 
extracts, taken from standard European authorities, are published: 

DIFFUSION PULPS OR EXHAUSTED COSSETTES. 

The following table contains an average of analyses made by Messrs. 
Vivien, Lucas, JJuviu, Durot, and Dupont as a commission of experts 
in France: 



Moisture 

Nitrofit^iioiis iiiattcr. . . .. 

Difiestiblc cai'ljohydratfs .. 
Iiidigestiblo carboliydnitos 

rat ' 

Mineral matter 

Solid matter 



Fresh 
pulp. 



Dry 
material. 



Per cent. 


Fer cent. 


89.09 




.itli 


8.43 


G. 5'2 


59.76 


1.98 


18.15 


.09 


.83 


1.40 


12.83 


100. 00 


100. 00 


10. 91 





BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 131 

FEEDING EXPERIMENTS WITH BEET PULP. 

Exteusive tests in feeding x^ulps liave been made at the Francieres 
sugar house of M. Gallois. The following animals were used: (1) Beef 
cattle, (2) oxen, (3) milch cows, (4) sheej), (5) ewes. Before begin uing 
the tests, these animals were all gradually accustomed to the change 
from their customary ration to that of diffusion pulp. 

(a) Beef cattle. — Twelve beeves each received every day, in three 
meals, 52.20 kilograms (115 lbs.) of diffusion pulps, mixed with 3 kilo- 
grams of linseed oil cake and 3 kilograms (G.6 lbs.) of chopped alfalfa. 
Their weight increased an average of 1.004 kilos (2.214 lbs.) per day. 
If we consider the value of the meat as 0.95 franc ($0.19), that of the 
oil cake 0.25 franc ($0.05), and that of the alfalfa 0.08 franc ($0,010) per 
kilogram (2.2 lbs.), we find that the feeding value of the diffusion pulp 
was 0.58 francs ($1,310) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). 

{!)) Oxen. — Four oxen each received the following ration i^er day: 
57.5 kilograms (120.8 lbs.) of diffusion pulp mixed with 5 kilograms (12 
lbs.) of alfalfa and 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of linseed-oil cake. These cat- 
tle decreased somewhat in weight in the first fifteen days, and did less 
than the usual amount of work, but in the second fifteen days they had 
entirely recovered. The trial continued two and a half months. In 
making a calculation analagous to that above, the value of the diffu- 
sion pulp was 4.78 francs ($0,950) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). 

(c) Milch cows. — The test with milch cows lasted thirty days. Two 
cows were employed — one Flemish and the other Dutch. Before the 
tests the cattle were fed on dry alfalfa with a small quantity of beet 
pulps i^roduced by the hydraulic-press method. The cows were each 
given, per day, 45 kilograms (99.2 lbs.) of diflusion pulp with 2 kilo- 
grams (4.4 lbs.) of alfalfa. The tests demonstrated that the diffusion 
pull) is more advantageous as regards lactation than in the ijroduction 
of fiesh. 

Coivs fed on diffusion pulps. 

Cream per 100 cc. of 
Date. 




April27 8.00 7.00 

May 1 7.50 8.00 

May 12 7. 50 8. 00 

May 19 7.50 8.00 

From these tests it was shown that the milk of the cows fed from 
difl'usion pulp contained an average of 7.08 per cent of cream. The 
butter produced from this milk did not have the peculiar disagreeable 
odor which is present in that from cows fed on j^ress pulps. 



132 BEET -SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

(d) Sheep. — In this test twenty raeriuo sbeep were fed on diffusion 
pulp. The following table shows the result of this test and the rations 
fed per animal : 

Weight: Kilos. 

April4 948 =2,085.6 pounds. 

April26 1,008 =2,217.6 pouuds. 

Total increase 60 = 132.0 pounds. 

Increase per sbeep per day 0.137= .3 pounds. 

Average rations per head : 

Pulp 5.4 = 11.88pounds. 

Linseed-oilcake .2 = .44 pounds. 

Chopped alfalfa .5 = 1. 10 pounds. " 

It was not necessary to make other additions to the diffusion pulp, 
since the sheep ate it with avidity. With the aid of these figures we 
may calculate the value of the pulp as follows : 

The sheep gained per day 0.137 kilogram (.3 lb.) in meat, which at 
1 franc ($0.20) per kilo (2.2 lbs.) equals 0.137 franc ($0,027). They con- 
sumed a ration, exclusive of the pulp, costing 0.09 franc, therefore the 
value of the 5.4 kilos (11.9 lbs.) of diffusion pulp was 0.047 ($0.01), or 
8.70 francs ($1.74) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). 

Experiments made with ewes. — The ewes were obtained from a flock 
from which the lambs had just been separated. In feeding the ewes, 
to which a somewhat larger ration was given, the value of the pulp 
was found to be 6.03 francs ($1,206) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.). 
Taking all of these elements into account, the experts estimated defi- 
nitely the value of 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.) of diffusion pulp to be 
5.55 francs ($1.11). They also demonstrated that diffusion pulps keep 
perfectly. 

Not taking into account questions of transportation, etc., the value 
of diffusion pulp was estimated at 6.10 francs ($1.22) per 1,000 kilo- 
grams (2,205 lbs.). Basing a conclusion upon the chemical analysis 
of the pulp, a value of 6.44 francs ($1,288) was obtained, as compared 
with the 6.10 francs ($1.22) per 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs.) given by 
experiments. 

EXrERIMENTS BY ANDOUARD AND DEZAUNAI. 

(Sucrerie Beige, Vol. 12, No. 7.) 

In tests in feeding diffusion pulp to milch cows this pulp was given 
in a ration, first of 27 kilograms (59.5 lbs.) and later 55 kilograms (121.3 
lbs.) per day, and produced immediately an increase of approximately 
32 per cent in the yield of milk. It appeared, however, to be without 
influence on the richness of the milk in casein and mineral matter, but 
produced an increase in the yield of butter of 12.4 per cent, and in that 
of the sugar of 24.63 per cent over the previous proportions of these 
> constituents. It, however, gave the milk a less agreeable taste and a 



BEET-SUGAE INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



133 



certain predisposition to an acid fermentation. The bntter, therefore, 
would probably not be of excellent quality. 

Analyses of diffusion pulps hef or & ensilage.* 



Constituents. 



Water 

Dry matter 

Ash 

Fat 

Crude fiber 

Crude protein 

Nitrogeu-free extract 



Maercker. 


Kiibn. 


Per cent. 


Per cent. 


89.77 


88.9 


10.23 


11.1 


.58 


.9 


.05 


,1 


2.39 


2.5 


.89 


.9 


6.32 


6.7 



Diffusion pulps after having been stored in the silos.* 



Constituents. 


Maercker. 


Ktihn. 


TVater , 


Per cent. 

88.52 

11.48 

1.09 

.11 

2.80 

1.07 

6.41 


Per cent. 
87.5 


Dry matter 


12.5 


Ash 


.9 


Fat 


.1 




3.0 




1.2 




7.3 







* Sachs' Revue Universelle des Progrfes de la Fabrication du Sucre, 1, 428. 
Analysis of diffusion pulps, by Pellet. 



Constituents. 


Pressed 
pulp. 


Dry ma- 
terial. 


Water 


Per cent. 
88.06 
.84 
7.30 
2.46 
.06 
.43 
.85 


Per cent. 




7.04 




61.14 




20.60 


Fat 


.50 


Soluble mineral matter 


3.00 


Insoluble miueral matter - 


7.12 










100. 00 
11.94 


100. 00 







Maercker (Sucrerie Beige, vol. 11, page 464) determined that siloed 
pulps, in addition to losing water, also lost a considerable portion of 
their dry matter. This is shown in the following statement of the 
analysis of pulps which were siloed for five months, in which time they 
lost the following percentages : 

Thirty-seven and eight-tenths of nitrogen free extract, 25.5 of nitrog- 
enous matter and 29.6 of the fiber which they contained: The pulps 
gained, on the contrary, in fat, owing to the lactic and butyric fermen- 
tations. The losses were due to decomposition, and not to entrainment 
in the moisture lost. 



134 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Analyses of diffusion puJj), hy Vicien.* 



Constituents. 



Digestible proteins (nitrogen X 6.25) 

Indigestilile proteida (amid nitrogen X 9) 

Nitrate of potassium 

Digestible carbohydrates 

Cellulose and indigestible carbohydrates . 

Fat 

Sugar 

Assimilable mineral matter 

Indigestible mineral matter 

Water 



Pressed 


Dry ma- 


pulp. 


terial 


Per cent. 


re) 


cent 


0.64 




7.73 


.04 




.48 


.05 




.60 


4.07 




49.15 


1.92 




23.19 


.05 




.60 


.54 




C.52 


.35 




4.23 


.61 




7.37 


91.72 


.... 





Analyses of diffusion pulp, hy Pellet. 



Constituents. 



Pressed 
pulp. 



Drj' ma- 
terial. 



Water 

Organic matter 

Soluble inorganiii matter ... 
Insoluble inorganic matter . 



Per cent. 



Per cent. 



Acidity (expressed as acetic acid) 

Total nitrogen 

Insoluble nitrogen (at the boiling point of water) 



88.88 




9.95 


89.50 


.57 


5.13 


.60 


5.40 


100. 00 


100. 00 


1.01 


9.08 


.147 


1.32 


.111 





* Sachs' Revue TJniverselle des Progres de la Fabrication du sucre, 1, 429. 

The pulps diminished in weight in the silos, the diffusion pulps losing 
6 per cent per month. At the same time there was a diminution in the 
weight of the dry matter, approximately 1 per cent of the diffusion pulp. 

It is evident from the above data that the value of the pulp from beet- 
sugar factories, especially in thickly settled countries and in those 
regions where the dairy interests are prominent, will jjrove of no incon- 
siderable advantage in the successful introduction of the beet sugar 
industry and its rapid advancement. Beet pulps form a wholesome 
and nutritious, though a somewhat poorly balanced ration. Their 
chief nutriment is found in the carbohydrates, composing the marc of 
the beet and including the unextracted sugar, and in the proteid nitrog- 
enous matters, and a large percentage of these is easily digested. 
AVhile beet pulp is not suitable for the entire food of the animal, it can 
be made a principal part thereof, varying its proportions with the 
nature of the effect desired to be produced. Experience has shown 
that it is especially relished by dairy cattle, produces an abundant 
supply of milk, and where proj^erly preserved and fed, it can be used 
in great abundance without imparting to the milk, butter, or cheese 
any unpleasant flavor. 



SUMMARY OF DATA COLLECTED IN PREVIOUS YEARS. 

In order to present data covering as wide a field as possible, and 
including the experiments of several seasons, the following table has 



BEET -SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



135 



been compiled from tlie reports of the Division of Chemistry and from 
the bulletins of the various State experiment stations: 

Analyses of smjar beets grown in various States. 

[A compilation of the analytical data ohtained at the various State experiment stations for the years 
1888 to 1897, inclusive, and at the United States Department of Agriculture for the years 1884 to 18'J7, 
inclusive.] 





Analyses by the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analyses by the State 
ment stations. 


experi- 


State. 


Tear. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- Sugar 

age in 
weight, beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 




1893 

1891 
1897 




Ounces 


Per ct. 
5.9 


66.7 

56.9 

70.4 




Ounces. 


Perct. 






2 

7 














51 
23 


7.7 
9.3 












157 




«8. 1 


61.8 




9 

2 
3 
2 


29 ! 9. 

40 6.4 
12 1 9.4 
18 1 11.3 


67.4 

58.8 
64.7 
71.5 


157 


^^= 


8.1 


61 8 




1891 

1892 
1897 




































7 
71 


22 1 9.1 


65.0 












188-t 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
189:i 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 


19 







rr== 








13.7 


85.3 








5 
14 
18 


io' 

17 


10.7 
12.1 
10.7 
613.0 
614.0 
614.0 
6 15. 
6 15.0 
614.0 












77 7 




4 
8 
4 


13 
48 
14 


14.7 
11.1 
14.7 


84.6 

7.5.8 
77.6 


73.0 




















[ 
















1 1 






















1 


26 j ie. 8 
























88 


21 1 13.6 


85.3 


37 


18 


11.2 

9.9 

10.2 

11.0 

* 13. 5 

*13.8 


75 1 




1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 




Colorado 


















37 
73 
4 
16 


25' 






29 
51 

170 
18 
174 


20 
26 
18 
17 
20 


12.5 
13.1 
14.8 
13.2 
13.6 


76. i 
76.1 
81.7 
74.9 
76.7 


83.0 
79.3 
80.6 




12 




14.3 


79.7 




442 

2 
5 


20 1 13.9 


78.4 


142 


25 


11.5 


8'' 1 




1890 
1891 






14 

27 


9.7 
10.8 


76.1 
77.3 






























Average 


7 
2 


23 
12 


10.5 
11.1 


77.0 
64.9 










Georgia 


1891 

1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
189G 
1897 




==^ 





=^= 












Idaho 


1 
1 
2 
2 


4 

15 
34 

78 


8.0 
12.7 
14.7 
10.2 


68.3 
74.9 
79.1 
76.2 










































192 

342 

60 

41 




13.7 
15.2 
14.2 
15.2 


76 1 
























77 3 




7 


21 


15.5 


79.4 


87.6 




13 


30 


13.8 


77.6 


635 




14.6 


80.2 







* The sign * indicates tliat the number given is 0.95X per cent of sugar reported since it was doubt- 
ful whether the per cent of suj,'ar was expressed in terms of the weight of the juice or that of the beet, 
though ])robably the former. 

a Aiialy.sea of Kleinwanzlebenor only show: 32 samples, sugar 11.8, purity 73.6. 

6 From report made on the total crop by the Chino Valley Boot Sugar Company. 



136 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Analyses of sugar heels grown in various States — Continued. 





Analyses by the TJnited States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analy 


ses by the State experi- 
ment stations. 


Stato. 


Year. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1897 


8 
36 
59 
32 


Ounces. 
31 
32 
15 
17 


Peret 
10.3 
11.7 
10.9 
13.1 


72.1 
76.4 
75.2 
75.5 




Ounces. 


Per ct. 


























312 


20 


11.9 


76.4 




135 


21 


11.6 


75.4 


312 

5 
10 
26 

131 
95 
49 
81 

205 


20 

7' 

a 20 
12 
12 
25 
18 


11.9 


76.4 




1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1897 






12.2 
11.9 
9.1 
12.0 
11.1 
11.8 
11.8 
12.0 


















56 

77 
57 
4 


23 
27 
14 
10 


10.7 
11.6 
11.2 
10.7 


72.7 
76.9 
72.5 
73.1 


""78.'8 
76.8 
79.3 
78.8 




103 


14 


13.1 


78.9 


80.7 




297 


19 


11.9 
11.6 


75.9 


605 


17 


11.7 


79.2 




1891 

1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1891 
1897 






1 


27 


76.9 






























4 

12 
34 
503 
404 
563 
150 
642 


17 
34 
33 
16 
21 
19 
19 
19 


11.9 
9.9 
10.7 
12.1 
11.6 
11.9 
11.5 
12.4 


76.5 












64.9 




30 

321 

30 

7 


22 
30 
24 
17 


11.8 
11.8 
10.9 
12.8 


74.5 
75.7 
76.2 
75.8 


71.4 
74.0 
72.9 
76.1 
74.9 




130 


18 


13.3 


73.7 


76.6 




518 


26 


12.1 


75.2 


2,312 

7 

10 

183 

115 

22 

158 


19 


12.0 


75.0 




1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 






3i' 

19 
21 
21 
17 


8.9 
7.9 
9.6 
10.2 
10.1 
11.9 


69.7 




22 
36 
22 
1 
41 


32 
33 
25 

27' 


8.3 
10.7 
11.1 
14.3 
11.4 


69.3 
68.2 
74.2 
72.8 
73.8 


""'ih'.h 

73.4 
71.8 
77.0 




122 


29 


10.6 


71.4 


501 


19 


10.4 


73.4 




1891 
1892 
1897 






3 
4 
6 


34 
13 
16 


9.1 

8.9 

11.9 


63.7 
77.2 
71.5 










































13 


19 


10.3 


72.2 












1893 

1890 
1891 
1897 












3 


12 


8.9 


68.3 




















83 
2 
29 


15 
16 
19 


12.2 
7.4 
11.4 


79.3 
68.5 
79.1 


5 


10 


12.2 


79.7 




























114 


16 


11.9 


79.1 


5 

10 
6 
6 


10 


12.2 


79.7 




1889 
1890 
1891 












17' 

17 


12.2 
13.4 
13.4 






6 


16 


12.0 


82.8 


&77.1 
78.1 
















6 


16 


12.0 


82.8 


22 
6 


17 
cl9 


12.8 
12.6 


77.6 




1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 






30 
50 
71 
88 
450 


31 
32 
19 
15 
22 


12.0 
12.6 
14.1 
13.3 
14.7 


78.4 
78.0 
83.4 
82.1 
81.1 






229 




13.3 


86.2 














465 


27 


16 4 


84.0 




689 


22 


14.2 


81.1 


700 


27 


15.5 


84.7 

















a Average weight of 71 samples. 6 Purity of but 1 sample. 

e Average weight of 2 samples. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



137 



Analyses of sugar heets groivn in various States — Continued. 





Analyses by the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analyses by the State experi- 
ment stations. 


State. 


Tear. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Kum- 
berof 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 


107 
41 
22 
7 
49 


Ounces. 
30 
29 
29 
60 
24 


Per ct. 
11.8 
12.4 
12.2 
10.8 
11.0 


75.2 
75.7 
78.1 
70.8 
79.2 


55 

467 
180 


Ounces. 

a 23 
17 


Per ct. 

*12.3 

*13.0 

14.3 


76.5 




79.7 
85. 5 




143 


17 


13.1 


81.8 




226 

2 

67 

13 

324 


29 

■ 21 
20 
33 
20 


11.7 

8.4 
10.4 

8.1 
11.7 


76.3 

66.7 
62.4 
63.4 
73.5 


845 


19 


13.2 

13.4 
9.3 


81.1 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1897 


. 




5 
59 


17 

28 






67.3 




304 


26 


10.6 


71.0 




400 


20 

25 

22 
15 
20 


11.4 

13.2 
10.9 
14.3 
14.4 


71.6 


368 


26 


10.4 


70.4 




1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 






35 
6 

2 
4 


76.8 
72.8 
75.0 

77.8 




























70 


23 


14.7 


77.0 




47 


24 


13.1 


76.3 


70 


23 


14.7 


77.0 




1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1895 
1897 














9 
159 
462 
218 
98 
(c) 
637 
106 


46 

17 

i>23 

17 


12.7 
10.3 
*12. 3 
12.8 
9.8 
11.3 
12.1 
11.7 














54.5 




269 
62 
27 

8 


20 
35 
21 
17 


11.8 
11.7 
14.2 
10.1 


71.9 
75.3 
79.3 
69.7 


73.9 
77.9 
72.4 
77.0 
76.9 




13 


29 


12.9 


76.9 


75.0 




379 

18 
81 


23 

11 
13 


12.0 


73.1 


1,689 


22 


11.9 

12.5 
14.8 
13.6 


73.7 




1891 
1892 
1893 
18W 
1895 
1896 
1897 







17.2 
15.9 


88.0 
83.4 


222 

221 

61 


25 

18 
20 


76.9 




80.8 
80.8 
























176 




13.1 


d77.8 
















21 


18 


18.3 


81.4 


10 


19 


18.9 






120 


14 


16.5 


83.7 


680 


21 


13.6 


78.7 




1891 

1891 
1893 
1897 






1 


19 


11.6 


80.0 






















1 


17 


7.3 


70.8 












8 




11.7 


76.2 




31 


16 


14.2 


81.4 
















32 


16 


14.0 


81.1 


8 




11.7 


76.2 




1891 
1892 
1897 






17 

29 

3 


28 
19 
13 


13.8 
15.3 
17.2 


74.8 
83.2 
82.0 












3 

219 


26' 


*17.0 
13.2 


:::::::: 




49 


22 


14.9 


80.2 


222 


26 


13.3 












■ 



* The sign * indicates that the number given is 0.95 X per iient of sugar reported since it was doubt- 
ful whether the per cent of sugar was expressed in terms of the weight of the juice or that of the beet, 
though probably the former. 

a Average weight of 229 samples. 

h Average weight of 88 samples. 

c Analyses reported by the Standard Cattle Company. 

d Averages for 1893 to 1896, inclusive. 



138 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATER. 



Analgses of mi gar heets grown in various States — Continued. 





Analyses by the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analy 


ses by the State experi- 
ment stations. 


State. 


Tear. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 
in 

beet. 


Purity 

coeffi- 
cient. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 




1889 
1H90 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 




Ounces. 


Per ct. 




6 


Ounces. 


Per ct. 
9.9 






10 
4 

8 


15 

32 
22 


12.1 
11.6 
15.4 


78.0 
76.8 
85.9 


























29 
562 


38 
a 16 


12.9 
15.9 






225 


21 


15.0 


82.4 


83.2 




247 


21 


14.8 


82.2 


591 


20 


15.7 


83.2 




1892 
1893 
1897 






4 


4 


9.0 
4.1 
9.1 


73.4 
52.1 
75.3 






















7 


23 






















11 


16 


9.1 


74.6 












1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 












24 

n 

11 

2 
4 


25 
23 
24 
27 
28 


13.4 
11.8 
12.9 

14.0 
10.5 


71.2 
73.2 
76.5 

80.7 
81.2 


9 
129 


29' 


13.8 
10.9 






73.9 


































52 


25 


12.8 


73.9 


138 


29 


11.1 


73.9 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1897 




Ohio 


15 

66 

102 

68 


26 
31 
17 
22 


9.8 
11.3 
14.2 
13.8 


76.0 
73.5 
80.2 
79.1 












24 




9.8 






554 


31 


13.3 


78.7 




251 


23 


13.1 


77.9 


578 


31 


13.2 


78.7 




1891 
1897 






1 

1 


48 
10 


6.4 
11.8 


53.3 
72.5 












21 




11.4 


65.3 




2 


29 


9.1 


62.9 


21 




11.4 


65.3 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
189G 






2 
35 

12 


20 
34 
19 


15.1 
12.7 
14.2 


73.4 
81.1 

80.2 


37 
98 
65 


626 
22 
27 


11.2 
12.6 
14.4 






78.4 
82.7 






























23 




14.3 


C89.8 


































49 


30 


13.2 


80.6 


223 


24 


13.1 


81.3 




1890 
1891 
1802 
1893 
1897 






10 
7 
8 
1 

59 


27 
22 
13 

is' 


8.0 
13.3 

10.8 
11.0 
13.8 


73.8 

78.7 
75.8 
78.9 
79.5 






























































85 


19 


12.8 


78.4 
74.2 












1897 

1892 
1893 













rthodn Island 


2 


21 


11.9 
























3 
15 

71 


19 
15 
23 


5.8 
4.9 
5.9 


!J4.7 
















1894 
1K97 














13 


17 


9.9 


79.9 
















13 


17 


9.9 


79.9 


89 


22 


5.7 


54.7 










a Average weight of 137 samples. b Average weight of 2 samples. 

Averages for 1893 to 1896, inclusive. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



139 



Analynes of sugar heets grown in various Siates — Coutinued. 





Analyses by the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analj'ses by the State 
ment stations. 


Bxperi- 


State. 


Tear. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Num^- 
ber oY 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 

coeffi- 
cient. 




1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1897 




Ounces. 


Per ct. 




17 
58 
1,264 
680 
337 


Ounces. 

25' 

19 
14 


Per ct. 
9.1 
14.2 
11.9 
14.2 
15.0 






21 

202 

67 

5 


20 

■ 22 

20 

17 


13. i 
12.5 
13.1 
15.1 


78.6 
75.3 
75.5 
83.2 


74.7 
73.3 

80.7 
85.6 




295 

5 

1 


21 

20 
10 


12.7 

8.8 
9.4 


75.7 

65.8 
72.4 


2,356 


22 


13.1 


77.3 




1891 
1892 
1894 
1897 
















22 
8 


22 
4 


9.5 

12.0 


75.1 




17 


11 


10.8 


71.9 






23 


13 


10.3 


70.6 


30 


17 


10.2 


75.1 




1890 
1891 
1897 






2 
10 
11 


38 
23 
22 


10.0 
10.3 
12.6 


69.3 
69.1 
76.5 























14 


34 


8.0 


56.3 




23 


24 


11.4 


72.7 


14 


34 


8.0 


56.3 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 




XJtah 






21 
43 


27' 


15.3 
ft] 1.0 
-12.5 
all. 6 
al2. 7 
(113.5 
«13.9 


86.1 












80.0 












82.2 












79.5 












80.2 












81.5 












81.8 




35 


20 


14.3 


81.1 
















35 


20 


14.3 


81.1 


64 


27 

17 


13.4 
16.3 


83.5 




1897 

1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 






8 


22 


14.2 


84.1 


32 


84.2 








20 
72 
13 
14 
34 

153 


15 
21 
12 
16 
21 


10.8 
11.1 
12.0 
13.3 
11.6 


74.0 
76.0 
79.0 
83.9 
76.2 










































5 


621 


11.6 






19 


11.4 


76.8 


,5 


21 


11.6 






1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1894 
1895 
1896 
1897 






1 

11 

31 

183 


16 

18 
18 
28 


15.2 
14.5 
14.5 
12.3 


84.2 
83.9 
76.8 
74.0 
































"i,'666 

521 

211 

60 










25 

17 

6 

23 


*13.5 
16.2 
13.4 
13.6 


82.0 












87.9 












80.9 




34 


27 


13.7 


80.7 


75.7 




260 


26 


12.8 


75.7 


2,458 


22 


14.1 


83.4 




1892 
1897 






12 
14 


14 
19 


11.3 
15.4 


68.5 
80.4 
































26 


17 


13.5 


74.9 

















- 








* The sign * indic.ites that the number given is 0.95 X per cent of sugar reported since it was doubt- 
ful whether the per cent of sugar was expressed in terms of the weight of the juice or that of the beet, 
though probably the former. 

a Ileport made on total crop by Utah Sug.ar Company, 1891-1896. 

h Average weight (net) estimated from average gross weight. 



140 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Analyses of sugar heels grown in various States — Continued. 





Analyses by the United States De- 
partment of Agriculture. 


Analyse-s by the State experi- 
ment statiou.s. 


State. 


Tear 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


Num- 
ber of 
sam- 
ples. 


Aver- 
age 
weight. 


Sugar 

in 
beet. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1897 


10 

432 

21 

42 


Ounces. 
21 
26 
22 
15 


Per ct. 
12.8 
11.1 
12.7 
15.8 


81.3 
75.8 
77.8 
83.3 


94 

373 

61 

1,663 


Ounces. 
35 
32 
26 


Per ct. 
11.7 
11.9 
15.2 
12.1 


76.3 




76.2 
81.6 
74.1 




505 

5 
18 

6 
48 
34 


25 


11.4 


76.6 


2,191 


32 


12.1 


74.7 




1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 
1897 






26 
12 
8 
19 
19 


15.1 
13.5 
15.2 
15.9 
17.2 


78.8 
78.1 
85.2 
80.5 
82.3 












55 
71 
33 


11 
14 


15.4 
15.9 
16.2 


77.8 

78.7 
80.9 














111 


18 


15.8 


80.8 


159 


13 


15.8 


78.8 









NOTES ON PRECEDING TABLE. 

Ill a few instances analyses reported to the stations by sugar comi:)a- 
uies or organizations designed for the promotion of the sugar industry 
have been included. It is noticeable that in many States but few 
analyses have been made. In view of this fact, it is well to be cautious 
in accepting the results of these few analyses as being representative 
of the beets grown in the State. 

The reports from the State of California are especially incomplete. 
Most of the analyses reported are from data obtained in the laboratory 
of the Chino Valley Beet Sugar Company. In view of the fact that Cali- 
fornia has several very large and very successful factories, we do not 
regard the data included here of great value in judging of the State 
as a producer of high-grade sugar beets. We have data of factory 
averages obtained in California representing in some cases more than 
100,000 tons of beets, showing that the State produces beets of very 
high sugar content. Factory averages have been reported this year 
higher than 15 per cent of sugar in the beets. It will be noticed that 
in most instances the results obtained by the Department of Agri- 
culture corroborate those obtained in the stations. 

A notable exception to this is in the tabulation of the results obtained 
with beets grown in the State of Washington. The Department of 
Agriculture, however, has only made about one-tenth as many analyses 
of Washington beets as the station. The average of the results of 
the large number of Washington beets analyzed shows that this State 
is destined to be a large producer of sugar. 

In many cases the averages are based on very incomplete data, and 
therefore must not be considered strictly representative of all the results 
included. In figuring the general averages each annual average is 
weighted in proportion to the number of samples it represents. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



141 



INVESTIGATIONS IN SEED PRODUCTION. 

The second line of experiments carried on by the Department of 
Agriculture during the season of 1897 was devoted especially to the 
culture of high-grade beets in cooperation with a few of the agricul- 
tural experiment stations. The localities selected for the experiments 
were such as would represent as wide a range as possible of climatic 
conditions, and be compatible with the time at the disj)osal of the 
Chemist of the Department for doing the work, and with the quantity 
of high-grade seeds on hand. It was not deemed advisable to go into 
the arid regions with these experiments, because it was not possible, 
in the short time at our disposal, to make proper preparations for the 
conduct of our work. Under authority of the Secretary of Agriculture 
the Chemist of the Department made arrangements with the following 
experiment stations to conduct the work under as nearly as possible 
identical conditions, except those pertaining to climate : 

The agricultural experiment station of New York, at Geneva. 
The agricultural experiment station of Indiana, at Lafixyette. 
The agricultural experiment station of Wisconsin, at Madison. 
The agricultural experiment station of Iowa, at Ames. 
The agricultural experiment station of Kentucky, at Lexington. 
The agricultural experiment station of Tennessee, at Knoxville. 

In order that the experimen ts might be conducted on plots of equal 
area, each director of the stations mentioned above was furnished with 















































































































IJ 






IS 




i^ 
















































































































Fig. 2 — Plot for guidance in planting sugar beets. 

a diagram showing the manner in which it was thought most advisable 
to plant the different varieties of seeds. The diagram shown in figure 
2 was accompanied by the following descriptive letter: 

United States Department of Agriculture, 

Division of Chemistry, 
Washiiujlon, D. C, April S3, 1897. 
Dear Sir: For the sake of having complete uniformity in the comparative tests of 
high-grade beet seeds, I seud herewith a diagram for the purpose of guiding you in 
the preparation of the plots and in the planting of the seed. The object of this dia- 
gram is to secure the planting of the high-grade seed in the interior smaller plots AB. 
each one of which has almost exactly the area of 500 square feet. If preferred the 



142 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

size of the iuteiior plots may he varied so as to make each of them exactly one one- 
hundredth of an acre, namely, 435.6 square feet. I think it would be better, however, 
to keep the interior plots AB each 500 square feet, as they fit the rows as indicated by 
the horizontal line, allowing exactly 14 rows in the plots, of a total length, including 
both interior plots, of about 47.6 feet. The interior plots AB are surrounded by a 
border CCCC, which is to be i)lanted with the high-grade commercial seeds which 1 
shall send you. The end plots DD are to be planted with the same kind of high-grade 
commercial seeds as CCCC, but these eud plots are not necessary to the success of 
the experiments. The object of the border CCCC is to surround the high-grade 
seeds AA with beets grown under the same Cdnditions, so that the exterior rows of 
the plots AA may be subjected to the normal couditious of beet growth, Avhich 
would not be the case if .such small plots were left unprotected. The scale of these 
plots is 1 inch=12 feet. I think it is important that the soil of the plots be 
prepared in accordance with the directions contained in Bulletin No. 52, a copy of 
which I transmit herewith. The plowing aud subsoiliug should loosen the ground 
to a depth of not less than 16, and, better, to a depth of 18 inches, and the surface 
of the soil, after plowing aud subsoiliug, should be reduced to perfect tilth. 

I am now awaiting the remainder of the high-grade seeds, which I expect in a few 
days. There will be two varieties of the high-grade seeds, one to be planted in Plot 
A and the other in Plot B. All the seeds sent you will be plainly marked, so that no 
mistake can be made. The quantity of seed required for plots A and B will be about 
5 ounces, I think it best that the interior plots A aud B at least should be plauted 
by hand. The number of seeds in the 5 ounces being known, they should be planted 
in groups at intervals of 9 inches; that is, in such a way as to secure one good, vig- 
orous plant at about every 9 inches in the row after thinning. Five ounces of seed 
will contain approximately 5,000 seeds, and in the two plots A and B there will be 888 
hills, which gives ax>proxiuiately nearly 6 seeds to a hill. In this case the planting 
would be accomplished as follows : Six seeds placed in the row at distances of 1 inch 
apart followed by an interval of 3 inches, then again 6 seeds at intervals of 1 inch, 
aud so on. This grouping is shown in the following line: 

9 in. 9 in. 



Of course the spacing will vary according to the number of seeds to be planted. 
If there be anything in connection with the diagram that you do not understand 
please let me know. 

Respectfully, H. W. Wiley, Chief of Division. 

The Mgli-grade seeds furnished for planting- the above plots were 
as follows : 

(1) The Vilmorin Improved, grown at the experiment station of the 
United States Department of Agriculture at Schuyler, Nebr., in 1893. 
This station was abolished in the autumn of that year by Secretary 
Morton, and the principal part of all the high-grade seeds on hand 
was sold to the Oxnard Beet Sugar Company, of Grand Island, Nebr. 
A small portion of each variety was retained, however, in the hope 
that at some day the experiments might be reestablished. When sub- 
jected to a germination test, however, of all tlie varieties which had 
been preserved, only the Vilmorin Improved showed unimpaired vitality. 
All the other varieties grown at Schuyler showed a vitality too low to 
warrant planting. 

(2) Original Klein wanzlebener, grown l)y Kiihn & Co., Kaarden, near 
Amsterdam, Holland. These seeds were from specially analyzed 
mothers, showing the very highest (jualities for seed production. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 143 

(3) High-grade commercial seed, grown by F. Demesmay, Cysoiug, 
France. These seeds were not grown from specially analyzed mothers, 
but rej)reseuted the high-grade commercial seeds produced at that 
place. 

These three varieties were furnished for planting in Section B. 
There were also sent at the same time some of the high-grade commer- 
cial Kleinwanzlebener and Vilmorin's La Plus lliche for planting sec- 
tions CCCC and DD, as indicated in the diagram. These seeds were 
sent to the various stations specified above on the 24th of April, 1897. 
The high-grade seeds which were to be used in planting Section A 
had not yet been received, and were not forwarded at that time. 

The seeds ordered from Europe did not arrive uutil May 15, and were 
sent at once to the several stations on that day. In addition, seeds 
were received from August Rolker & Sons, representing Dippe Brothers, 
at New York, and from Martin Grashoff, of Quedliuburg. These seeds 
were also sent for planting the margins of the plot indicated above. 

In the general instructions given to the directors of the stations it 
will be noticed that all the details of the work were left to be decided 
by them at the proper time, as any directions for time of planting, 
etc., would be but futile. Each one of the directors undertook to do the 
work strictly in accordance Avith the instructions provided in so far 
as the preparation of the land, planting, cultivation, and harvesting of 
the samples were concerned. The Chemist of the Department visited 
three of the stations during the season and conferred itersonally with 
the directors in regard to the progress of their work. The other direc- 
tors were communicated with only by letter. 

In the analytical work samples were selected according to instruc- 
tions and sent to the Dei>artmeut of Agriculture, and others were ana- 
lyzed in the laboratories of the collaborating experiment stations. 

On May G, the high-grade seeds not yet having arrived from Europe, 
I sent to each of the stations for i)lanting Section A some high-grade 
seeds grown by Martin Grashoft", of Quedliuburg, obtained from Mr. 
Jellinek, an agent of the grower in this country. I suggested that 
Section A be planted with this seed, and then if the other seed expected 
from Germany came in time the plants could be dug out and the section 
replanted. The name of the seeds sent for j^lantiug Section A was 
White Improved Imperial Elite, which were produced by a cross of 
another variety with the Kleinwanzlebener. Directions for planting 
the seeds according to the plot were furnished each director. 

The additional quantity of high-grade sugar-beet seed ordered from 
Dippe Brothers, Quedliuburg, Germany, was received and distributed 
to the stations on the 17th of May. In most cases the beets in Section 
A which were previously planted were not dug out, but the new seeds 
were planted in other localities. 

The conditions of growth varied greatly in the different localities 
during the season. At the New York station the spring was backward 
and cold, and the planting and first development of the beets were 



144 PEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

delayed. The subsequent conditions were favorable to good growth. 
The beets received no backset, and reached a fair maturity by the 1st 
of October. The autumn was mild and cool, and dry enough to pre- 
vent second growth, so that the beets could be left in the ground with 
perfect security until late in November. 

At the Indiana station less favorable conditions obtained. A poor 
stand of the beets was secured in many in8ta*nces where a perfect 
stand was secured at the New York station. The early leaves were 
badly eaten by an insect, and this prevented the early rapid develop- 
ment of the iilant. Subsequently a period of extreme drought set in, 
lasting for nearly two months — during July and August. The result 
of all these unfavorable conditions was practically a complete failure of 
the crop, so that even in the case of the beets which were secured there 
were evidences of arrested develo])ment. The general result of the 
experiment was exceedingly discouraging. 

At the Wisconsin station the field which was selected for the growth 
of the beets was not iiarticularly well suited to the puri)Ose. It had not 
been under previous cultivation for many years, and a portion of it, as 
is seen in the report of the director, suffered severely from various 
causes. The special plots which were cultivated in the high-grade 
seeds gave fairly good results, as will be seen farther on, and the beets 
produced were of good size, fair shape, and tine quality. 

At the Iowa station fairly good seasonal conditions prevailed, and 
the character of the beets produced on the specially prepared plots was 
satisfactory. 

At the Kentucky station the beets obtained a good start, and grew 
well for the greater part of the season. They were slightly retarded by 
dry weather at one period of their growth, but on the whole reached a 
fair stage of maturity without untoward accidents. The beets which 
were harvested in September and October showed a higher content of 
sugar than those that were left later in the ground, and this is probably 
due to the second growth, which was produced by the warm climate of 
that locality. The sugar content was exceedingly low, and the data 
secured from the station show conclusively that Kentucky is not in the 
list of possibilities as a sugar-producing State in so far as beets are 
concerned. 

The data from Tennessee are extremely meager, and no definite con- 
clusions can be drawn from those at hand. 

In the study of the data received, it will be convenient to begin 
with the most southern station, namely, Tennessee, and then continue 
with the Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York stations 
in the order named. 

Tennessee. 

The results obtained at the Tennessee station were extremely unsatis- 
factory. On account of the poor quality of the beets, only one sample 
was sent for analysis, which was harvested on the 25th of September. 
These beets were so small as to hardly deserve the name, and no attempt 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



145 



was made to determine the purity of tlie juice. It is evident, from an 
inspection of the table which follows, that there was nothing in the 
result of the experiment to justify a further examination of the beets 
produced. 

The cause of failure in Tennessee has been reported by the secretary 
of the station in the letter given below, and therefore no further expla- 
nation need be made here of the failure to attain even fairly satisfactory 
results. 

The Agricultural Experiment Station 

OF the University of Tennessee, 

Enoxville, February 15, 1S07. 
Dear Sir: A reference to plat sent you May 26, 1897, will explain the following: 
Sujjar beets grown from seed sown May 19, 20, 1897, were lifted when properly 
ripe, tops removed and put into separate piles on the ground close by, and covered 
with earth. lu this condition the various lots remained until taken up to be 
weighed on 13th of this month. Roots found in good order, and are now being fed 
to our cows. The weights of the several lots were as follows: 



Plat. 


Variety and from wbence received. 


Area. 


Weight. 




Vilmorin's Improved Wbite, from P. Henderson & Co., 
New York. 

Kleinwanzlebener Elite, Dippe Brotbers, from Depart- 
ment. 


Sq.ft. 

880 

589 

1, .'seg 

1, 642 

448 

64 
96 

288 
224 


Pounds. 
175 




54 




280 




Higb grade Kleinwanzlebener, from Department 

Memte Ober Wurst, Quedlinburg, Dippe Brothers, from 

Department. 
Original Kleinwanzelebener (Holland), from Department. 
Vilimirin's Improved (Schuyler, Xebr.), from Department. 


369 




64 5 


Subdivision B (2 rows) . 
Subdivision B (3 rows) . 
Subdivision B (9 rows). 
Subdivision E (trian- 
gle). 


10.5 

12 

50 


Wbite Iniproved Imperial Elite (Grasboff), from De- 
partment. 


124.5 


5, 796 


1,115.5 



8,71-5 pounds per acre. 

A miserably poor yield. — Soil prepared in best manner; germination good; when 
first leaves were formed an excellent stand. A few days after an incursion of flea 
beetles destroyed almost every plant in an irregular strip across the whole plat; this 
was done between the hours of 11 a. m. and 3 p. ni., in one day. Cultivation was 
w<dl and thoroughly done, but the j)lanting was much too late. A plat of Vilmorius 
Improved White grown near the farm building, the seed for which was planted Ajiril 
1, gave us a very heavy yield. These were planted for table use and for stock feed- 
ing, and were purposely grown to make leed stuif, not for sugar. 
Very respectfully, yours, 

Chas. F. Vanderford, 

Secrctarti. 
Dr. II. W. Wiley, 

Chief Division of Chemistry, U. S. Dejyartment of Agriculture, 

JVashinijton, I). C. 

The details of the analytical data are found in the accompanying 
table of data. 

Kentucky. 

Special care was taken by the director of the station at Lexington to 
secure satisfactory results. During the early part of the season the 
beets grew exceptionally well and i)resented a fine appearance. The 
H. Doc. 31)0 10 



146 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

quantity produced was fairly good, although the beets were some- 
what irregular in size, some of them beiiig quite large and others 
quite small. The sugar content of the beets and the purity of the juice 
Avere both extremely low. The iirst series of samples was analyzed on 
the 28th of September, and a second set of samples from two of the 
varieties was analyzed at a later date. The original Kleinwanzlebener 
(HoUaud) seed was represented by thirty-seven beets in this second 
sample, the average size of which was small and the sugar content 
medium. The White Improved Imperial Elite was represented in 
the second sample by forty-eight beets, also extremely small, and 
with a low content of sugar. The final harvest of the beets resulted 
in securing three barrels of beets of fine size and shape, but when these 
beets were perforated for analysis it was found that the content of 
sugar was low, falling, in some cases, as low as 2 per cent. The 
sugar content in general was so small that it was not deemed worth 
while to report it, as the beets were utterly worthless for seed pro- 
duction. The depressing influencte of climate on the character of the 
beets is illustrated in a most striking manner by a comparison of tlie 
results obtained from beets grown in Kentucky and in Geneva, N. Y., 
from the same seeds, and under as nearly as possible identical conditions 
of culture. 

Indiana. 

The unfortunate seasonal conditions which obtained at the experi- 
ment station at Lafayette have already been mentioned. The result of 
the prolonged drought during the growing season was a diminuti(m 
of the weight of the beets to such an extent that for practical purposes 
they were useless. For this reason the data obtained are of little 
value. On account of the inferior character of the beets, no attempt 
was made to select any of tiiem for mothers for the subsequent produc- 
tion of seed. Tlie analytical data connected with the special plot work 
in Indiana are found in the tables following. 

Iowa. 

Only one set of samples was received from the plots grown in Iowa, 
the sample of the Demesmay having been harvested on the 25th of 
September and all the other samples on the l.'3th of jSTovember. The 
average size of the beets received was small, the percentage of sugar 
only fair, and the purity not up to the minimum standard. The 
seasonal influences at Ames were therefore evidently inferior in sugar- 
producing ({ualities to those which obtained in New York, The final 
harvest of beets was not forwarded to the Department for the purpose 
of selecting mothers by reason of a misunderstanding whereby the 
different varieties were mixed in such a way that the separation of 
them was impracticable. A general statement in regard to the special 



BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THi: UNITED STATES. 147 

plot work done at Ames is contiiiucd in the following letter from 
Director Curtiss : 

Ames, Iowa, January 25, ISDS. 
Dkaii Sir: Replyin<j t<> your inquiry conceruing the test of higli-gr.i.do sugar-beet 
seed luruishcd by yonr Dopartment, will say that wo liave forwarded you two sani- 
plesof the Vilinorin's Elite from the plats grown according 1o your instructions, and 
bii.vo lately had your report of the last sauiph'. The beets from these ])lats were 
analyzed by Dr. Weoms. of our chemistry section, with the following results: 



Variety. 



Vilinorin's l5lite 

Deiuesmay 

Improved Imperial Itllite. 
Klein wan zlebener 



Sugar. 



Puiity 
coeflicient 



Per cent 
16.07 
14.30 
13. 31 
16.91 



S4.30 
78.38 
76.14 
90. 76 



These samples and the one forwarded to you gave substantially the same results 
and were harvested November 11. The first sample scut you was taikeu earlier and 
was probably immature. The past season was quite backward here, and the beet 
crop correspondingly lato in maturing. Owing to a change in our field-experiment 
department during the past year, the beets from these jtlats wen;, through a misun- 
derstanding, thrown together instead of being kept sepnratci after the analyses 
were made, and we will not be able to distinguish between varieties in testing these 
beets and carrying on future w^ork along tiiis line. We very much regret that 
this mistake has occurre<l, as we would like to continue the work of developing 
high-grade beets ior seed ]»roduetion. We will be glad to cooperate with you again 
during the coming season if you can furnish us more seed. 
Very truly, yours, 

C. F. CUKTISS. 

Dr. H. W. Wiley, 

WaahitKjton, D. C. 

The analytical data derived from tlie analyses of beets sent from the 
Iowa station to this laboratory are of little value. Only one set of sam- 
ples was received, namely, of the Demesmay variety, harvested on the 
25th of September, and of the three varieties harvested on the 13th 
of November. With the exception of the Vilmorin T^ilite, which was 
received on the 22d of >ovember, the analytical data are not satisfac- 
tory. In the case of the variety just mentioned the sugar content and 
the purity were satisfactory, l)nt the beets were very much under size. 
It is evident that the data obtained in the past season do not fairly 
represent the capabilities of Iowa, either for the production of good 
connnercial' beets or for the growth of beets for seed-producing pur- 
poses. The analytical data obtained on analysis of the sauiples received 
at the Department are found in the table given farther on. 

Wisconsin. 

Complete details of experiments with high-grade beet seeds, grown 
under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, are found in the 



148 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Wiscou.siu report, coutained in Bulletin Ko. 64 of that station. These 
details are so valuable as to warrant their reproduction in full: 

EXPERIMENTS WITH HIGH-GRADE SUGAR-BEET SEEP, 

These experiments were, as already stated, conducted under the auspices of the 
United States Department of Agriculture. In a letter received in the early part of 
April last, the chief chemist of the Department, Dr. H. W. Wiley, requested this 
station to cooperate with the Department in growing a numher of varieties of heets 
from high-grade seed furnished by them, giving the beets the best of conditions in 
respect to subsoiling, preparation of the seed bed, and cultivation. Some of the 
kinds of seed sent were produced by the highest possible scientific culture from 
specially analyzed beets, which were stated to average 19 per cent of sugar. Accord- 
ing to the directions received, the Government plat was surrounded on all sides by 
our regular beet field and was located in the southeastern quarter of our main field. 
The different kinds of seed received and planted by hand on May 22 were as follows: 

Flat J. — Dippe Brothers, A'ilmoriu Elite R I, from Dippe Brothers, Quedlinbui'g, 
Germany. 

riat B. — 1. Original Kleinwanzlebeuer, grown by Kiihu, Naarden, Holland. 2. 
Vilmorin Improved, grown at United States Sugar Beet Station at Schuyler, Nebr. 
3. Demesmay sugar-beet seed, grown by F. Demesmay, Cysoing (Nord), France. 

Flat C, — High-grade Commercial Kleinv/anzlebener. 

Plat D. — High-grade Commercial Vilmorin's Improved " La Plus Riche." 

White Improved Imperial Elite, grown by Martin Grashoff, Quedlinburg, Germany. 

Dippe Brothers, Kleinwanzlebeuer Elite W I, from Dippe Bros., Quedlinburg, 
Germany. 

The plats were arranged, as suggested by Dr. Wiley, in the following manner: 
Plats A and B, each 21 by 24 feet, were placed in the middle and were surrounded 
by a border, CC, 67 feet long and 9* feet wide; the plats D' and D^ were placed at 
the east and west ends of the C plat, being 21 by 40 feet. South and north of the 
whole plat three rows were run 110 feet long, in which were planted the varieties 
given in the preceding statement, White Imperial being planted in the south three 
rows, and Kleinwanzlebeuer Elite in the north three rows. The rows were 18 inches 
apart. The effort was to have one good vigorous beet plant at about every 9 inches 
iu the row after thinning. 

The germinations of the seed planted in this experiment, as well as of that planted 
in our other trials, were determined by Professor Goff, and are given on pages 300- 
301 of our Fourteenth Aunual Report. It will be seen that the germinative power 
of the different kinds of seed was very good, with the possible exception of the 
Schuyler, Nebr., seed, which was old, and the Dippe Brothers' Vilmorin Elite 
seed. The average germination of the seed was 167 per cent, ranging from 115 to 
231 per cent, the latter result being obtained with the White Improved Imperial 
filite. 

The first samples of the beets raised on the Government plat were taken Septem- 
ber 20; another sample was taken September 27, and after that time every fourteen 
days until the beets were harvested, on November .5. In sampling the beets four 
beets were dug of each kind. Two of these were forwarded to Washington, D. C, to 
the Department of Agriculture, and the other two retained for analysis in our own 
laboratory. 

The results of the analyses made by the writer are given in the following table. 
The C samples were taken south of the A and B plats and the C- samples north of 
these plats. In the same manner the D' and D- samples were taken from the plats 
east and west, respectively, of the central plats. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



149 



Main field, Government plat. 





Date of 

sam- 
pling. 


Per cent 
root of 
whole 
plant. 


Weight 
of beets. 


Analysis of juice. 


Variety . 


Specific 
gravity. 


Sugar. 


Purity 
coetiicient 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. n 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 


70 
70 
78 
80 


Pou7ids. 
0.21 
.40 
.40 
.58 
.83 


1.0755 
1. 0934 
1. 0834 
1.0858 
1.0740 


Per cent. 
14.44 
17.92 
17.04 
16.35 
14.35 


79.1 




811.5 
85.0 
79.4 
80. 1 














.48 




16. 02 

16.96 
17.58 
17.93 
16.40 
16.53 


80.8 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 




1. 0882 
1.0923 
1. 0895 
1. 0860 
1. 0882 






73 
73 
72 
82 


.34 
.80 
.98 
.95 
1.20 


80.4 




79.9 
S3 8 

79.5 
78.3 












.85 

.37 

55 

.50 

.50 

1.13 




17.08 


80.4 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 








High-grade Kleiuwanzlebener, Cj 


73 
70 
59 

78 


1. 0825 
1. 0898 
1. 0870 
1.0810 
1. 0845 


16.45 
17.21 
16.15 
14.35 
16.90 


83.0. 
80.0 
77.5 
73.6 
83.5 












.61 

.75 
.45 
1.13 
.75 
.71 




16.21 


79.5 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 


70 
76 
80 
91 


1. 0725 
1.0810 
1. 0848 
1. 0857 
1. 0800 






15.06 
16.70 
17. 01 
15.86 
15.71 


85.7 




85.7 
83.6 
77.2 
81.5 












.76 




16.07 

16. 63 
18.57 
17.95 
17.34 
18.65 


82.7 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 








Original Kleiuwanzlebeiier, Holland, B . 


68 
67 
73 
73 


.45 
.20 
.40 
.30 
.35 


1. 0860 
1. 0046 
1. 0935 
l.Of'80 
1. 0920 


80.7 
82.4 
80.6 
74.5 
81.8 














.37 




17.83 


80.0 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 










64 
68 
71 
71 


.70 
.00 
.93 
.50 
.95 


1.0695 
1. 08:^6 
1.0917 
1. 1070 
1.0812 


14.57 
17.11 
18. 17 
21.45 
16. 42 


86.3 




85. 2 
83.0 
85.2 
84.0 












.80 




17.54 


84.7 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 










67 
72 
73 

78 


1.03 
1.15 
1.23 
1.35 


1. 0735 
1. 0800 
1. 0868 
1.0917 


16. 13 
16. 90 
17.56 

18.88 


90.6 




83.0 
84.4 
86.3 












1 






1.19 




17.37 


86.1 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 








High-grade Klein wauzlebeuer, C2 


72 
65 
75 
82 


1.05 
.70 
.70 

1.30 


1. 0850 
1. 0842 
1. 0885 
1. 0940 


17.94 
16.70 
17.57 
19.18 


87.9 
82.6 
83.0 
85.7 




















.94 




17.85 


84.8 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 










76 

81 
78 
89 


.80 
.93 
1.10 
.85 
.93 


1. 0655 
1. 0695 
1.067S 
1.0798 
1. 0690 


13.23 
13.49 
12.85 
15.95 
13.66 


82.8 




79.8 
77.9 
83.0 
81 4 












.92 




13.84 


81 




Sept. 20 
Sept. 27 
Oct. 11 
Oct. 25 
Nov. 5 










63 
73 
73 

82 


.62 
1.00 
1.10 
1.03 

.75 


1. 0790 
1. 0852 
1. 0895 
1.0920 
1. 0827 


16.05 
16.86 
17.49 
18.34 
16.91 


84.3 




82.5 
81.7 
83.6 
85.1 












.90 




17.13 


83.4 













150 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



AVe notice that the per cent of sugar in the juice but rarely came over 18 in case of 
the different varieties, tlie average figures ranging from 13.84 per cent 'Demesniay) 
to 17,85 per cent (High-griide Commercial Kleinwanzlebener, C2); the purity of the 
beet juice was good, viz, lowest 79.5 (High-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener, 
Ci), highest 86.1 (Vilmorin La Plus Riche, DJ. 

The average results of the analyses of these beets obtained by the Department 
of Agriculture and in this laboratory are given below : 



Determinations made by — 


Number of 
analyses. 


Polariscope 
method. 


Ale. ex- 
traction 
method. 


Purity co- 
efficient. 




38 (31*) 
38 (31*) 


16.27 
16.09 




84.7 




15.13 


82.0 







* Number of determinations of purity of juice. 

While the agreement is as good a » could be expected between the results obtained by 
.the polariscope method, the purity coelficient dift'ers rather more than allowable in 
duplicate samples. The two sets of analyses differ in this way, that the Department 
of Agriculture samples were always analyzed at least several days after our analyses 
were made, since the latter were always finished within twenty-four hours from the 
time of sampling. In single instances, variations occurred between the Department 
of Agriculture and our analyses of 3 per cent of sugar in the juice and of over 7 per 
cent purity, owing to differences in the stage of maturity of the beets analyzed; it 
is evident that no absolutely correct idea of the sugar content of the beets in a cer- 
tain plat or field can be obtained by pulling and analyzing two single beet roots, 
even if these do appear to be at about average stage of maturity. 

The yield of beets from the plat, obtained at harvesting, November 5, and the 
calculated yield of beets and of sugar per acre, are shown in the following table: 

Yield of heels and of sugar, Government plat. 



Name of variety. 



Yield of beets. 



From 
plat. 



Per acre. 



Average 
weight 
of beets. 



Sugar in 
the beet. 



Sugar 
per acre. 



Ini]ierinl l^litc 

Viluioriu La Plus Riche 

Hinh-grade Commercial Kleinwanzlebener 
Dipjie Brothers Kleinwanzlebener Elite ... 

l)i])po Brothers Vilmorin Elite 

Ueiiiesmay 

Vilmorin. Schuyler, Nebr 

Original Kleinwanzlebener, Holland 

Averages, etc 



Pounds. 

272.3 

1,167.3 

1, 170. 

311.7 

336.6 

234. 4 

76.7 

26.0 



Pounds. 

24, 210 

- 28,290 

30, 660 

34, 380 

29, 090 
HI, 520 

30, 940 
15, 730 



Pounds. 
0.45 
.64 
.56 
.66 
.58 
.61 
.59 
.27 



Per cent. 
13. 63 
15.70 
16.05 
15. (lO 
16.06 
12.98 
14.92 
17.72 



Pounds. 

3, 300 
4,441 
4,920 
4,995 
4,672 
4,092 
4,616 
2,788 



3, 595. 



28, 103 



15.04 



4,228 



The average yield of beets per acre obtained was over 14 tons, or about 5 tons more 
than the yield obtained from either half of the main field. The average calculated 
yiehl of sugar per acre was 4,228 pounds, the lowest yield being obtained in case of 
Original Kleinwanzlebener, Holland (2,788 pounds), which variety plainly sufiered 
most from the drought, and the highest in case of Dippe's Kleinwanzlebener Elite 
(4,995 pounds). 



ANALYSES MADE AT THE LABORATORY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 

AGRICULTURE. 

Samples of beets from the high-grade i)lots were sent from time to 
time to the hihoratory of the Department of Agriculture for analysis, 
and finally all the remaining beets of proper size were forwarded for 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



151 



examination. The following table contains the analyses of the samples 
received from the various stations of the three separate harvests of 
beets, ranging from the last of September to the last of October, 
together with the analyses of all the samples of the high-grade beets 
harvested in the middle of IsTovember : 

Tabic showing analyses of heels of liufh grade from experiment stations of Tennessee, 
Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York. 

KNOX COUNTY, TENN. 

[Experiment Station, Knoxville.] 



Serial 
No. 



201 
203 

204 

206 

202 

205 
207 



Variety. 



White Improved Imperial 

Elite 

Kleiuwaiizlebeiier Elite .. 
Original Kleinwauzleben- 

or (Dipiie Brothers) 

Original Kleinwauzleben- 

er (Holland) 

High grade Kleinwanz- 

lebener 

Viluiorin's "La Plus 

Ricbe'' 

Vilmorin's Improved 

Demesmay 



Time of 
planting. 



May 24 
,...^0 ... 



May 18 
...do ... 
...do ... 



.do 
.do 
.do 



Time of 
harvest- 
ing. 



3897. 

Sept. 25 
....do ... 



..do ... 
..do ... 
..do ... 



.do 
.do 
.do 



Date 
received. 



Sept. 27 
do ... 



...do. 
...do. 
...do 



-do. 

.do 

.do. 



Num- 
ber of 
beets. 



Average 
weight. 



Ounces. 

4 
7 

3 

1 

6 

7 
1 
1 



Sugar 
iu the 
beets. 



Per ct. 

11.0 

10.7 

12.5 

12.5 

12.0 

10.6 
13.2 
13. 5 



Purity 

coetii- 
eient. 



FAYETTE COUNTY, KY. 
[Experiment Station, Lexington.] 





285 


834 


-870 
286 




287 
293 


785 


-832 



Original Kleinwanzleben- 
er (Holland) 

do 

Vilmorin 's Improve (1 
(Schuyler, Nebr.) 

Demesmay 

White Improved Impe- 
rial Elite 

do 



1897. 



Sept. 27 
Oct. 14 

Sept. 27 
....do .. 



....do .. 
Oct. 14 



1897. 








Sept. 29 
Oct. 18 


37' 


21 

7 


13.3 
15.8 


Sept. 29 
do ... 




10 

18 

17 

7 


10.9 
9.5 

10.9 


do 






48 





68.5 
05. 



68.1 



TIPPECANOE COUNTY, IND. 
[Experiment Station, Lafayette.] 



436 

2203 

171 

448 
2202 

172 

449 
2204 

178 

447 

2206 

180 

2205 
430 



Original Kleinwanzleben- 

er ( Holland) 

do 

do 

Klein wanzlebener Elite 
(Dippo Brothers) 

do: 

do 

Demesmay 

.....do.... 

do 

Vilmorin's Improved 
Elite (Dippe Brothers)-. 

do 

do 

Vilmorin's Improved 

(Schuyler, Nebr.) 

do 

Vilfuoriu's Improved 



1897. 
May 5 
....do ... 



May 19 
...do ... 
...do ... 
May 5 



.do 



May 19 
....do ... 
...do ... 



May 5 
...do ... 
...do ... 



1897. 

Sept. 24 
Oct. 8 
jSTov. 22 

Sept. 24 
Oct. 8 
Nov. 22 
Sept. 24 
Oct. 8 
Nov. 22 

Sept. 24 
Oct. 8 
Nov. 22 

Sept. 24 
Nov. 22 
Oct. 8 



1897. 

Sept. 27 
Oct. 10 
Nov. 24 

Sept. 20 
Oct. 10 
Nov. 24 
Sept. 20 
Oct. 10 
Nov. 24 

Sept. 26 
Oct. 10 
Nov. 24 

Sept. 26 
Nov. 24 
Oct. 10 



4 


16.5 


5 


14.3 


6 


19.1 


3 


14.4 


4 


14.7 


9 


18. 5 


5 


12.6 


8 


12.5 


9 


14.3 


4 


13.9 


4 


14.0 


7 


16.5 


6 


14.5 


7 


15.4 


6 


16.1 



83 6 



152 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Table shoiving annlysex of beets of li'ujh ip-aAe from erperimenl stations of Ttnni'saee, 
Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and New York — Continued. 

STORl COUNTY, IOWA. 
[Experiment Station, Ames.] 



Serial 
No. 



249 
2078 

2088 
2099 
2100 



Variety. 



1897, 

Demesinay May 29 

AVhitt) Improved Imperial 

Elite do . 

Viliiioriu's Improved do 

Vilmorin's Elite do 

Oriyiiual Kleiuwauzlebe 

ner do 



Time of 
])lauting. 



Time of 
harvest- 
ing. 



1897. 
Sept. 25 

Nov. 13 
...do ... 
...do ... 



.do 



Date 

received. 



1897. 
Sept. 28 

Nov. 22 
...do . 
...do ... 



.do 



Num- 
ber of 
beeta. 



Average 
weight. 



Ounces. 
11 

13 
19 

12 



Sugiir Purity 
in the coeHi- 
beets, cient. 



Per et. 
13.9 

16.7 
13.0 
17.3 



79.1 

72.5 
82 6 



DANE COUNTY, WIS. 
[Experiment Station, Madison.] 



2i7 


Dippe'sKleinwanzlebeaer 


1897. 
Mav 22 
do ... 


1897. 


1897. 
Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 


2 
2 
2 
12 


10 
11 
9 
10 


15.0 
18.5 
19.5 
15.3 


80 5 


882 




87 3 


1465 


. do 


do ... 






1912 


... do 


do ... 


Nov. 3 


83.1 














14 


15.9 


83.3 




Original Kleinwanzleben- 


May 22 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 






222 


2 
2 
2 
11 


5 
8 
7 
6 


15.4 
18.9 
18.9 

18.7 




881 


do 




87 2 


1469 


do 


....do ... 






l'.ii:i 


do 


....do ... 


Nov. 2 


80.7 














6 


18.4 


82 




Kleinwanzlcbener 

do 


May 22 
(lo . .. 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 






2'>b 


2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
2 
188 


13 
9 

13 
9 
6 
6 

15 


11.6 
16.3 
17.3 
1.!.8 
15.5 
18.5 
17.3 


85. 


sn 




82 2 


1468 


do 


....do ... 




84.1 


226 


do 


....do ... 




86.3 


878 


do 


....do ... 




80.2 


1464 


do 


do 






1918 


do 


do . 


Nov. 3 


85.1 














14.7 


17.2 


85.1 




White Improved Imperial 
Elite 


May 22 
clo ... 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 






218 


2 
2 
2 
12 


9 
8 
5 
15 


14.0 
17.1 
18.3 
15.4 


86.0 


876 


do 






1403 


do 


do 






1911 


do 


....do .. 


Nov. 3 


83.2 














12.4 


15.5 


8.i 5 




Dippe's Vilmorin Elite 


Mav 22 
....do ... 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
< )ct. 27 
Nov. 17 






219 


2 

2 

2 

115 


14 
10 
Ki 
14 


14.3 
18 3 
18.5 
17.7 


84 3 


8.S0 




87.2 


1406 


do . 


do 




86.9 


1917 


do 


do .. 


Nov. 2 


86.7 














14.0 

16 
15 
12 
12 


17.7 

13.6 
16.8 
16.2 
15.0 


86.7 


221 


Vilmorin a Improved 


May 22 
do 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 


2 

2 

2 

24 


82.6 


879 


(1(1 




85.0 


1461 


do 


do ... 




82.1 


1916 


do 


do ... 


Nov. 2 


82.5 














12.4 


15.6 


82.7 


















* 111 figuring the averages, each analysis is valued ia proportion to the weight of the sample. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



153 



lable showiufi anah/scH of hcets of hUih f/iitde fivm experiment, stations of Tvnntusee, 
Kentucky, Indiana, Joiva, JViaconsin, and 2\etv York — Coiitiuued. 

DAKE COUNTY, "WIS.— Contiuued. 



Serial 
Ko. 


A'aricty. 


Time of 
planting. 


Time of 
harvest- 
ing. 


Date 
received. 


Num- 
ber of 
beets. 


Average 
weight. 


Sugar 
in the 
beets. 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


223 


Viluiorin'.s "La Plus 
Kiche" 

do 


1897. 
Mav 22 
do ... 


1897. 


1897. 
Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Oct. 27 
Nov. 17 


2 

2 
2 
o 

I 
236 


Ouncex. 
18 
16 
12 
13 
8 
10 
15 


Fer ct. 
14.9 
17.9 
17.6 
14.3 
19.2 
19.0 
17.7 


83.4 


871 




88.2 


1402 


do 

do ... 


do ... 




85.2 


224 


do ... 




86.2 


875 


do ... 


....do ... 






1467 


...do 


...do ... 




85.4 


1915 




. . . .do . . . 


Nov. 3 


86.7 














15 


17.7 


86.8 






May 22 




Sept. 29 
Oct. 12 
Nov. 17 






220 


2 

2 

91 


12 
12 
13 


13.4 
15.0 
13.6 


84.8 


1470 


.do 




83.5 


19U 


do 


....do ... 


Nov. 2 


81.0 














13 


13.6 


81.1 


















ONTAEIO COUNTY, N. Y. 
[Experiment station, Geneva.] 



227 
1409 


White Improved Imperial 
Elite 

::-:::;■::::;:::::: 


1897. 
May 19 

do ... 


1897. 

Sept. 27 

Oct. 14 

/Oct. 29 

tOct. 30 


1897. 
Sept. 28 
Oct. 15 

} 


4 
4 

174 


14 
16 

18 


12.6 
14.8 

15.3 


80 G 
S2. 














18 


15.2 


81.3 




Vilmorin's "La Plus 


May 19 
do ... 


Sept. 27 
do 


Sept. 28 
do ... 

Oct. 15 
....do... 
\ 







228 


4 
4 
4 
4 

207 


20 
17 
16 
16 

20 


15.1 
15.0 
16.8 
16.6 

18.3 


85.5 


231 


do 


87.2 


1403 


do 


do ... 


Oct. 14 
....do... 


84.2 


1410 


do . . 


do ... 


83.7 




do 


do ... 


/Oct. 29 
tOct. 30 


(*) 








/ 






20 


18.1 


85.6 




Vilmorin's Improved 
(Schuyler, Nebr.) 


May 15 
do . .. 


Sept. 27 

Oct. 14 

/Oct. 29 

tOct. 30 


Sept. 28 
Oct. 15 

\ 






229 
1406 


5 

4 

32 


20 
16 

18 


14.2 
15.2 

15.7 


84 2 

87.8 




do 


do ... 


(*) 








/ 








18 


15.5 


8.'>. 6 




Vilmorin's Improved 


May 19 
do ... 


Sept. 27 
Oct. 14 


Sept. 28 
Oct. 15 






234 
1404 


\ 


15 

15 


13.6 
14.0 


82.2 
81.4 














15 


14.1 


81.8 






May 19 
do ... 


Sept. 27 
Oct. 14 
/Oct. 29 


Sept. 28 

Oct. 15 

\ 






230 


4 
4 

107 


18 
16 

18 


13.3 
12.3 

15.9 


82.8 


1401 




70.2 




... do 


....do ... 


(*) 








\Oct. 30 


/ 






1 




l.S 


15.7 

1.5.2 
16.7 

18.1 


81.1 




Viluiorin's Improved Elite 
(Dipi>e Brothers) 


May 19 
tlo ... 


Sept. 27 

Oct. 14 

/Oct. 29 

tOct. 30 


Sept. 28 
Oct. 15 
\ 







232 
1407 


4 
4 

64 


19 

16 

19 


86.0 
84.9 




do 


do ... 


(■) 








/ 






1 




19 


17.9 


85.5 


















* Not included in averaging the purity coeiEcients. 

\ In tiguring the averages, each analysis is valued in proportion to the weight of the sample it 
represents. 



154 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Table shoiviug analyses of heels of hUjli f;rade from ex2)eriment stations of Tennessee, 
Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, IFisconsin, and New York — Coutimied. 



ONTARIO COUNTY, N. T.— Coutimied. 



Serial 
No. 


Variety. 


Time of 
plauting. 


Time of 
harvest- 
ing. 


Bate 
received . 


Num- 
ber of 
beets. 


Averag'^ 
weight. 


Sugar 
in the 
beets . 


Purity 
coeffi- 
cient. 


1402 


High-grade Commercial 

Kleiuwanzlobeuer 

do 


1897. 
May 19 


1897. 

Sept. 27 

Oct. 14 

/Oct. 29 

\Oct. 30 


1897. 

Sei)t. 28 

Oct. 15 

1 


4 
4 

224 


Ounce.i. 
20 
15 

18 


Per ct. 
15.1 
15.2 

17.8 


86.4 
83.2 




do 


....do ... 


(*) 








/ 






18 


17.7 


85.0 




Original Kloinwanzlebe- 


May 19 
do ... 


Sept. 27 
Oct. 14 


Sept. 28 
Oct. 15 






235 


4 
4 

7 


18 
13 
18 


16.2 
16.4 
19.2 


86.7 


1405 


do 


84.7 




...do 


do ... 


(*) 


















17 


17.7 


85.8 




Kleinwanzleliener Elite 
(Dippe Brothers) 

do 


May 19 
....do ... 


Oct. 14 
/Oct. 29 
lOct. 30 


Oct. 15 
\ 






1408 


4 

211 


16 
20 


17.3 
18.7 


84.6 








/ 








20 


18.7 



















*Not included in averaging the purity coefficients. 

tin figuring the averages, each analysis is valued in proportion to the weight of the sample it 
represents. 

Discussion of above data. — No further discussion of the analytical 
data contained in the above table is necessary, except in the case of 
the samples received from Wisconsin and New York. These samples 
were exceijtionally fine. By an unfortunate misunderstanding all the 
beets received frcm Wisconsin were reduced to pulp for the iiurposeof 
getting an average sample for analysis. The selection for mother beets 
Avas, therefore, confined to the samples from New York. 

WISCONSIN. 

Almost uniformly good results were obtained in these experiments. 
The Original Kleinwanzlebener (Holland) seed produced beets, liowever, 
too small for all practical purposes, although the sugar content and 
purity were high. The largest beets and those of the highest purity 
were produced by the Vilmorin La Plus Riche seed. The Demesmay 
seed which were used were only the commercial article, and were not 
grown from specially analyzed mothers. It is not surprising, therefore, 
to see that they produced a crop which was the poorest of all in sugar 
content. 

Tlie particular analyses of the most importance are those which 
were made on the beets received November 17, and liarvested on 
the 3d of November. These practically represent the beets at their 
full maturity, as it is not probable that they would improve in 
quality in the climate of Madison after the 1st of November. The 
analyses also represent the greatest number of beets, and therefore 
are the most reliable. The largest number of beets of proper size and 
shape were produced by the Vilmorin La Plus Itiche seed, and the 



- BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 155 

smallest by the Original Kleiuwanzlebener. The beets grown from the 
Schuyler seed are of particular interest because they represent the link 
of union between the experiments Avhich were discontinued by the 
Department in 1893 and reinaugurated in 1807. The average size of 
the beets produced by the Schuyler seed is somewhat small, but the 
content of sugar and the i^iirity are satisfactory. Upon the whole, the 
effect of high-grade seed and high culture are most distinctly marked. 
It is only necessary to compare the results obtained in the experiments 
with these high-grade seeds with those secured in the State at large 
to show the i^ossibilities of beet production in Wisconsin. With such 
data before the investigator, it is evident that he must be convinced of 
the fact that it is possible, with j)roper conditions of seed and culture, 
to produce a grade of beets of the highest quality in Wisconsin. 

New York. 

Most satisfactory results were obtained from the experimental work 
in the State of New York at Geneva. Two sets of samples were 
received from the station, representing intervals of about two weeks 
in harv^estiug, the first set of samples having been harvested on the 
27th of September and the second on the 14th of October. It will be 
noticed that a marked improvement was secured by postponing the 
harvest for two weeks, showing that as a rule it is not to be expected 
that the season for manufacturing in JSTew York should begin before 
the middle of October. The above table includes also the final har- 
vest, which was made much later in the season, viz, October 29-30, 
and shows even a greater improvement. The beets from the final har- 
vest were all sent to Washington, and were carefully selected for seed 
production. The data obtained in this selection are given as the third 
in the series of analyses. The samples which were grown at the ISTew 
York station were from seeds of two different qualities : First, commer- 
cial seeds, as represented by the Demesmay White Imperial and high- 
grade commercial Kleinwauzlebener; and, second, seeds grown directly 
from high-grade mothers, represented by the Vilmorin La Plus Eiche, 
theVilmorin Improved (Schuyler), and the Original Kleiuwanzlebener. 
The average size of the beets selected for analysis was not quite 20 
ounces ; the sugar content in most cases was high, and the purity 
extremely satisfactory. After leaving the beets unharvested until the 
end of October they were found to have increased their content of 
sugar very markedly, as will be shown in the table of analyses for the 
selection of mothers. The encouraging data obtained at the New York 
station suggests that if the Department should reestablish its experi- 
ment stations for the production of high-grade seeds one of them 
should be placed in this locality. 

In the analysis of the beets to be selected as mothers for producing 
seeds no attempt was made to determine the coefficient of purity, as 
the amount of pulp removed was only sufttcieut to determine the 



156 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

l)erceutage of su^ar diiectiv' tliereiu. It is evident, liowever, that the 
purity coefficients of all the differeut varieties would uot have beeu 
diniiuished by perfect maturity, so that they may be regarded as fully 
equal to the average in each case. In fact, it Avould be fair to assume 
that the averages of the tinal harvest of the most mature beets were 
slightly above those taken for the average of the three analytical 
periods of the season. In the discussion of the data obtained by the 
analysis it must be remembered that the averages in all cases are made 
upon the total Mcight of the material entering into the analysis. !N"ot 
only is this true of each individual samjile, but also of the average 
analyses of the sami^les. It is evident that this is the one exact 
method of obtaining average results, and it- is only the averages 
obtained by such a method that have a convincing value. 

DATA OF EACH VARIETY. 

The White Improved Imi)erial Elite, grown from commercial seeds 
gave beets of fair commercial quality. An average weight of 18 ounces, 
with a content of 15.2 per cent of sugar in the beets and a coefficient 
of purity of 81.'}, would insure a large yield in a well-built and well- 
operated factory. From the complete harvest, 171 beets were found of 
the required size, shape, and sugar content to warrant saving for the 
production of seed. It is evident, however, that this seed would be 
only of a medium grade commercial quality, and not suited to the 
impi'ovement of the beet. 

Yilniori7i La Flus Rielie. — This plot gave excellent results throughout. 
The average size of the beets was the largest of any of the plots grown. 
The purity coefficients v/ere exceptionally high, and the sugar contents 
most satisfactory. Two hundred and seven beets grown on tliis plot, 
having an average weight of 20 ounces and a mean content of sugar of 
18.3 x)er cent, were selected for seed production. It is evident that the 
coefficient of purity of this selection must have been at least 86. These 
mothers will therefore produce seeds of the highest quality, which can 
subsequently be planted, growing beets for the production of seeds of 
exceptional iiroperties. 

Yihnorhi Improved^ Schuyler Seed. — This variety is chiefly of interest 
now because it represents the continuation of the work in seed produc- 
tion which was discontinued four years ago. The seeds evidently have 
lost in vitality by their long keeiiing, and the product, therefore, is not 
as satisfactory as could have been desired. The average sugar content 
is not exceptionally high, but the jmrity is excellent. The beets pro- 
duced from these seeds in another year will doubtless develop some 
exceptionally high-grade mothers, and thus the strain will be continued. 
This plot represents the sole surviving result of the three years' experi- 
ments at Schuyler, commenced in 1890. Thirty-two beets, with an 
average weight of 18 ounces and an average content of sugar of 15.7 
per cent were put aside for seed production. It is seen, from au 



'BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 157 

inspection of the table, that the coefl&cient of purity of tliis lot was 87 
or more. It therefore represents the highest grade of i)arity of any of 
the lots. 

Vilmorin Improved. — This is a commercial seed, used for planting 
around the central plots, and has produced a crop of only fair commer- 
cial value. 

Demesmay. — This is also a commercial seed, obtained directly from 
the growers in the north of France, and, as will be seen from an inspec- 
tion of the table, produced a crop of excellent commercial value. 

Vilmorin Improved Elite, grown by Bippe Brothers. — This seed repre- 
sents the improvement in the strain of the Vilmorin beet when cultivated 
according to the highest scientific principles in Germany. Sixty-four 
beets grown on this plot, having an average weight of 19 ounces, were 
selected for mothers. The mean content of sugar in these beets was 
18.1. It is evident, also, that the purity was at least 80 per cent. This 
harvest, therefore, represents a very high grade quality of mothers for 
continuing the improvement. 

High-grade Commercial Klein wanzlebener. — This variety of seed rep- 
resents the highest grade of commercial seeds offered to the market. 
The results of culture show that the tendency of this seed to produce 
rich beets is extremely well marked. Two hundred and twenty-four 
beets grown on this plot, with an avenige weight of IS ounces, were 
selected as mothers. The mean content of sugar in these beets was 
17.8 per cent, and the puritj'-, as seen by the table, is evidently high. 
These high-grade commercial seeds, therefore, produce a strain of beets 
almost as valuable for sugar production as the specially high grade 
seeds from analyzed mothers. 

Original Kleimcanzlehener {Holland.) — This variety of seed represents 
the Kleinwanzlebener type as cultivated to the highest degree in Hol- 
land. The tendency in that country seems to be to the production of 
a beet of small size and exceptionally high sugar content. Only a few 
of these high-grade seeds were planted, and this, together with their 
small size, accounts for the fact that only seven were selected. Tlie 
mean weight of the seven was 18 ounces, the mean content of sugar 
therein 19.2, and the coeflicient of purity evidently 86 or over. This 
variety produced the highest content of sugar of any cultivated, but on 
account of the small size is less to be recommended for general culti- 
vation in this country than some of the other varieties. 

Kleinwarizlehener FAite. — This variety represents the specially-selected 
seeds grown by Dippe Brothers, at Quedlinburg. The beets grow to a 
fine size, are of good shape, and have excellent qualities to recommend 
them to the manufacturer. Two hundred and eleven of these beets, 
having an average weight of 20 ounces, were selected as mothers. The 
mean content of sugar in these beets was 18.7 per cent, and the coeffi- 
cient of purity, as will be seen by the table, good. 



158 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CLASSIFICATION OF THE BEETS OF EACH VARIETY. 

It will be interesting: to study the distribution of the beets of each 
variety according to sugar content. This can be done by means of the 
following table: 



Variety. 



Number of beets 


laving contents of 


sugar from — 


15 to 16 


16 to 17 


17 to 18 


18 per 

cent and 

above. 


per cent. 


per cent. 


per cent. 


65 


20 


23 


4 


7 


16 


32 


94 


4 


8 


5 


3 


11 


14 


5 


40 


1 


4 


5 


47 


19 


30 


64 


107 





1 


9 


50 


6 


15 


24 


165 



Maximum 
polariza- 
tions of 
individual 
beets. 



Minimum 
polariza- 
tions of 
individual 
beet8. 



White Improved Imperial Elite 

Vilmorin La Plus Riche 

A'iliiiorin Inijiroved, Schuyler Seud. . 

1 )(iii<'siiiay 

Viluioriu Improved Elite (Dippe 

Brothers) 

High Grade Commercial Klein- 

wanzlebeiH^r 

Kleiuwanzlebener ( Holland) 

Kleinwauzlebcuer Elite 



Per cent. 
19. C 
23.4 
18.8 
22.0 

21.6 

22.0 
22. 2 
22.0 



Per cent. 
11.6 
13.4 
12.4 
9.6 

10.6 

13.6 
18.4 
14.6 



PRESERVATION OP THE MOTHER BKETS. 

The spaces in the beets caused by the removal of the diagonal core 
for analysis were filled with cotton saturated with formaldehyd. The 
beets thus prepared were placed in silos, where they will remain until 
March. 

GROWTH OF SEED FROM THE MOTHERS ABOVE DESCRIBED. 

Since the pollen of the beet is easily transported, it is necessary that 
each variety of seed be grown in plots entirely removed from any danger 
of fertilization from other localities. In order to secure this, one of 
the varieties preserved will be planted, through the courtesy of Mr. 
William Saunders, superintendent of the garden and grounds, in the 
I)ei)artnient garden at Washington and arrangements have been made 
with the following experiment stations to grow one variety each of the 
remaining beets, viz: Maryland; Ithaca and Geneva, N. Y. ; Michigan, 
Wisconsin, and Iowa. As soon as practicable in the spring the silos 
will be opened and the beets forwarded to the stations above named 
for transplanting. 

The beets of each variety of different degrees of strength should be 
l)]anted as far removed as i^ossible from the other classes. For instance, 
the beets in the grade of 20 per cent of sugar should be planted far 
enough from other grades of the same variety to prevent intermixing of 
the pollen. In this way the strain of excellence can be best preserved. 
The beets which have been saved for mothers are to be divided into 
classes representing difi'erent degrees of saccharine strength, and each 
of these classes planted separately to produce high grade seed for 
future use. 

NECESSITY OP SEED DKVELOPMENT. 

It is highly imjwrtant for the rapid and safe progress of the beet- 
sugar industry ill this country that attention should be paid to the pro- 
duction of high-grade seeds. We have in the United States such great 
differences in soils and climatic conditions as to render it evident that 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES, 159 

a single station for the production of seeds Avould not be sutticient. 
Beets of different qualities should be developed in different localities. 
The character of beets best suited to the flelds of New York and Wis- 
consin, for instance, would not be the ideal plant for the semiarid 
regions of Nebraska. On the other hand, it is evident that beets grown 
in an arid region, as, for instance, Chino and other valleys of California, 
without irrigation and with scarcely any rainfall, should have a longer 
tap root than those grown in localities where rainfall is abundant or 
irrigation is practiced. It seems plain, therefore, that three, if not 
four, stations should be established, and in order that this work nuxy be 
conducted under uniform methods these Stations should be established 
and maintained by the Department of Agriculture. 

One of these stations should be located in an area of average rain- 
fall and ordinary meteorological conditions as presented, for instance, 
by the States of New York and Michigan. 

The second station should be established in a locality where a defi- 
cient rainfall is to be expected, and where the vicissitudes attending 
meteorological changes are the greatest, as, for instance, in South 
Dalcota or Nebraska. 

The third station should be established in a region where irrigation 
is practiced, as, for instance, in Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah. 

A fourth station should be devoted to the development of a beet best 
suited to arid regions where irrigation is not practiced, as, for instance, 
in the coast valleys of California. 

It is only by a careful, systematic, and scientific development of beets 
suited to these different localities that we can expect to promote in tlie 
most favorable manner the development of the beet-sugar industry in 
the United States. It is evident that the continuation of the experi- 
ments which have been conducted by the Department of Agriculture 
for so many years in the analysis of beets and in the delimitation of 
areas suited to beet culture should now be supplemented by a more 
rigid scientific attempt to develop beets of characteristics best suited 
to the four typical localities which have been specified above. The 
maintenance of a small exi^eriment station entirely comjietent to accom- 
plish this work in each of the localities mentioned would not require a 
very great outlay of money and would result in the greatest possible 
good to the industry. 

STATISTICS OF AMERICAN BEET-SUGAR PRODUCTION. 

The information contained in the following table has been obtained 
through the courtesy of the beet-sugar factories: 

Statistics of the jJroduction of beet sugar in the United Statin for the year 1S97. 

Number of factories in operation 9 

Number of acres of beets harvested 41, 272 

Approximate average price paid for beets $4. 10 

Approximate average per cent of angar in the beets 14. 49 

Total i>oiinds of granulated sugar made 90, 060, 470 

Total pounds of raw sugar made 431, 200 

Granulated sugar obtained per cent beets 11. 56 

Eaw sugar obtained per cent beets 0. 06 

Total sugar obtained per ton (2,000 pounds) of beets pounds., ?32. 4 



160 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Statistics of individual factories for the year 1S97. 



Name of factory auil location. 


> 
u 


ri 

m 

o 


a 

O 


Tiiuo the machin- 
ery was 
in operation. 


o 
13 S 

pg 

a- 

3 
•Jl 


Total output of 
granulated sugar. 


Alamed.i Sugar Co., Alvar.^(lo, Cal 

Cliiiio Valley Beet Sugar Co., Chino. Cal 

Kir.st New Voi k Beet Sugar Co., Rome, N. Y 

Oxuard Beet Sugar Co., Grand Island, Mebr 

Los Alamitos Sugar Co., Los Alaniitos, Cal 

Norfolk Beet Sugar Co., Norfc.lk, Nebr 

Pecos Valley Beet Sugar Co., Eddy, N. Mex 

Utah Beet Sugar Co., Lehi, Utah. .' 


A cret. 

4,808 

9,678 

700 

4,282 

2, 800 
4, 029 
1,600 

3, 000 
10, 375 


Tons. 
48, 773 
97, 197 

4, 325 
38, 007 
29, 542 
36, 113 

5,700 
18,500 
110, 878 


$4.00 
(a) 
5.00 
(d) 
4.16 
id) 
4.00 
4.25 
4.00 


Days. 

90 

151 

45 

(d) 

105 
(d) 
38 
56 
104 


Per et. 

14.20 
15.10 
(b) 

12. 90 
15. 73 
13.60 

14. 00 
13.20 

15. 00 


Pounds. 
10, 198, 648 
24, 303, 122 
c765,70l) 
6, 798, 300 

6, 017, 900 

7. 941, 400 
1,020,000 
3 670, 600 


Western Beet Sugar Co., Watson villo, Cal 


20, 776, 000 


Total 


41,272 389.635 






90, 491, 670 












a$3.50 per ton for 12 i>er cent beets, and 25 cents per ton for each per cent above 12. The Chino fac- 
tory employed a saccharate proces.s. 

6 Red beets, 5J to 12 per cent sugar; white beets, 13 to 17 per cent sugar. Average analysis not 
reported. 

c431,200 pounds raw sugar are included. 

d Not reported . 

REMARKS ON THE BEET-SUGAR STATISTICS FOR 1897. 

The past season was not very favorable to the production of beets in 
several localities in California and in New Mexico and Utah. Insuffi- 
cient rain in California at the time of planting resulted in a smaller 
acreage being planted to beets and in a small yield of roots per acre. 
The great shortage in the crop reduced the quantity of sugar produced 
in California below that of the previous year, notwithstanding the fact 
that the new factory at Los Alamitos was operated and that at Chino 
increased its output. 

The first New York beet-sugar factory was somewhat unfortunate in 
the varieties of beets selected. The red beets contained very little 
sugar, and undoubtedly decreased the output below what it should have 
been under favorable conditions. The white beets were of satisfactory 
sugar content. As may be noted by an examination of this re|)ort of 
the experiments made in the State of JSTew York during the past sea- 
son, that State is capable of producing beets of very great richness. 

The shortage in the out[)ut of sugar is to some extent due to a 
decreased acreage at Lehi, Utah, and at Watsonville, Cal., these two 
factories having a larger ciop in 1890 tlian they could work to advan- 
tage. In 1890 the factory at Watsonville produced nearly 20,000 short 
tons of sugar from approximately 150,000 tons of beets, and the past 
year 14,888 short tons from 110,878 tons of beets. The total produc- 
tion for the country shows an increase of approximately 5,000 tons in 
1897 over that of 1890. The increase in the output of sugar next sea- 
son, should more favorable conditions i)revail in California, will be very 
large, since eight new factories, having a daily capacity of approxi- 
mately 0,700 tons of beets, will be in operation. 

The out])ut is reported in the tables in i)ounds of granulated sugar, 
since but one factory marketed raw sugar. The quantity of raw sugar 
produced does not materially modify the statistics of the production. 



REPORT OF SPECIAL AGENT 

Charles F. Saylor. 



LETTER OP TRANSMITTAL. 

U. S. Department of Agriculture, 

Office of the Special Agent, 

Washington, D. C, February 15, 1S98. 
Sir : I have the honor to present herewith, for your iuspectiou and approval, my 
report for 1897 as special agent and investigator of the sugar-beet industry, which 
is submitted in compliance with your instructions of April 10, 1897. 
Respectfully, 

Charles F. Saylor. 
The honorable the Secretary of Agriculture. 



The Experiments in Growing Sugar Beets in the United 

States in 1897.' 

The history of the experiments in growiug sugar beets is probably- 
net unlike that of any other agricultural i^roduct, except in this, it is 
more general. The sugar beet has so won its way with the farmer and 
business man in all parts of the country that it may now be said to 
enjoy national approval. 

Most other industries having an agricultural or horticultural founda- 
tion have seemed to require conditions that localized the interest in 
them. This, however, is not so with the sugar beet. The writer of 
this report spent the spring, summer, and fall in the field, thoroughly 
covering all the States and Territories west of Missouri Eiver, and, in 
addition, the States of Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michi- 
gan, and Illinois, and he has yet to find a State or Territory that is not 
thoroughly alive to the benefits of the beet-sugar industry and making 
efibrts to discover its resources in this direction. And why should this 
not be the case? We will offer below some of the causes which, in our 
opinion, have led up to what ajipears a national sentiment touching 
this industry. 

THE extensive CONSUMPTION OF SUGAR. 

The Department of Agriculture, realizing the diversified soil and 
climatic resources of this country and the benefits to accrue from the 
successful domestication of the sugar-beet industry, has undertaken as 
H. Doc. 396 11 161 



162 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

a part of its active policy to secure to the peoj)le of the United States 
the business of producing $100,000,000 wortli of sugar now brought 
into it for our consumption from the other countries of the world. It 
is a proposition that the people are ripe to consider. The transfer of 
this vast amount of business to our people from the countries of Europe, 
carrying with it, as it does, the employment of so much capital and 
labor, not only in the raising of the beets and in the processes of making 
the sugar, but in the consumption of raw materials, such as fuel, lime- 
stone, etc., makes the proposition at once a national, financial, and 
labor issue. 

Our consumption of sugar has been rapidly increasing in this country. 
This is due not only to our rapidly increasing population, but to the 
fact that as our country grows older our people become more and more 
liberal in i)roviding themselves with the necessaries and luxuries of 
life. There is also to be considered the increase in use from the con- 
stantly growing demands of the arts and sciences. 

PRESENT STATUS OF THE INDUSTRY. 

■1 

The beet-sugar investigation of the United States, so far as the 
Department of Agriculture is concerned, is confined to a study of the 
adaptability of the various parts of this country for growing the beets 
and of our facilities for entering into the successful manufacture of beet 
sugar in competition with Germany, France, Eussia, and other countries 
which have achieved success along the line of this enterprise. At pres- 
ent the manufacture of beet sugar in this country is confined to Grand 
Island and Norfolk, Nebr. (under the control of the Oxnards), to Lehi, 
Utah (the Utah Sugar Company), and ranging down the Pacific coast, 
in the State of California, to four very extensive beet-sugar factories. 
The first factory is that of the Alameda Sugar Company at Alvarado, 
which was the first continuous beet-sugar factory in operation in this 
country, and has been- in operation under varying experience of profit 
and loss for many years, having, however, had a successful record for 
the past seven or eight years. The second is that of the Spreckles 
Beet Sugar Company, at Watsonville, Cal., about 100 miles south of 
San Francisco, which is under the management and ownership of Mr. 
Clans Spreckles, who contributed so extensively to the development of 
Hawaiian sugar interests. The third factory is that of the Chino Yalley 
Beet Sugar Company, at Chino, near Pomona, Cal., about 30 miles south- 
east of Los Angeles, under the control of the Oxnards. The fourth 
factory is that of the Alamitos Sugar Company, at Los Alamitos, about 
30 miles southwest of Los Angeles, Cal., controlled by W. A. Clark and 
J, Eoss Clark, of Butte, Mont. At Eddy, in the Pecos Valley of New 
Mexico, is situated another factory. At Eome, N. Y., a factory started 
operations in the fall of 1897. This completes the list of factories now in 
operation in the United States. At Omaha, Nebr., in New York State, 
in Michigan, and elsewhere, arrangements have been made to establish 



BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 163 

factories, commencing with the next sugar-beet campaign. At Salinas, 
Cal., Mr. Clans Spreckles has made arrangements for constructing a 
factory with a, larger capacity than that of any other factory known in 
the world. 

The two Nebraska factories have a Capacity of about 300 tons per 
day each ; the Alvarado factory about 800 tons ; the Watson ville factory 
about 1,100 tons ; the Los Alaniitos factory about 350 tons, and the 
Chiuo factory 800 tons. Factories in this country are able to extract 
in the neighborhood of 11 per cent to 13 per cent of sugar from the 
gross weight of the beets, and sugar beets range in the average of their 
sugar percentage in the various factories from 13 to 16§. In Europe 
farmers are required to do a great deal of fertilizing, while in this coun- 
try we have sufficient lands to produce our sugar without fertilization — 
lands which will excel the production of Europe, both in tonnage and 
percentage of sugar and purity of beets 5 and now that Congress has 
arranged for a protective tariff, having in view the fostering of the beet- 
sugar industry, extensive experiments are being carried on in various 
parts of the United States in the culture and test of sugar beets. 
There can be but one answer to the question as to whether this country 
will eventually manufacture its sugar. We not only think that it will 
manufacture the hundred million dollars' worth of sugar that we now 
purchase, but we feel safe in predicting that, in this industry history will 
repeat itself, and the United States will be offering its sugar to the other 
countries of the world at a profit. Although the sugar industry has only 
had a run of about eight years in the United States in the few factories 
that have been established, yet, in that short time, those in control of 
these factories have revolutionized the process and materially improved 
the machinery ; the imi)lements of culture and the plan of agriculture in 
raising the beets have also been materially improved. In a few more 
years we will have so changed all the methods of growing, manufac- 
turing, and refining beet sugar that the conservative foreigner will 
hardly recognize it as one of his original industries. The growing of 
sugar beets is the reverse of almost all other kinds of farming, in that 
the point to be attained is quality rather than quantity; in fact it is 
not farming, unless we consider it of the most intensive kind. It is the 
highest type of gardening, requiring much labor and attention; and 
the real problem that we have to meet in this country is to get our 
farmers to appreciate this fact, and to understand that the growing of 
sugar beets stands out as a special agricultural problem. If beets be 
given judicious attention and be grown i^roperly, where the best condi- 
tions prevail, there is nothing that will reward the farmer so greatly, 
l^rovided he has a market through the medium of a factory; but if 
neglected, or not handled properly, there is no crop that will remind 
the farmer so forcibly of his failure in these particulars when the har- 
vest comes. 

There is no doubt that the United States has a wide and varied extent 



164 BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of laud that will successfully grow high-grade beets, that the enterprise 
of the people of this country will appreciate this fact, and that in a 
short time all the sugar consumed in this country will be furnished by 
our own i^eople. 

The Sugar-beet Belt. 

Working- along the lines of the sugar-beet industry in the United 
States, it became a part of the duty of the writer to aid in establishing 
as nearly as possible a sugar-beet belt, comprising those regions in 
the United States which by their conditions of soil, moisture, and tem- 
perature will permit of the successful growing of sugar beets of a high 
grade of sugar content and purity. Of course, the sugar content, 
which refers to the percentage of sugar in the beet, will readily be 
appreciated as an important requirement by all. The purity refers to 
the constituent elements of the beet or to the absence of certain solids 
which are usually found in varying proportions among these elements. 
One demand of a factory devoted to the manufacture of beet sugar is 
a pure beet. Purity is not only intimately associated with the quality 
of the sugar produced, but it affects materially the process of extract- 
ing the sugar from the beet, and with aii excess of impurities there is 
a material loss in the amount of sugar obtained. It is hardly possible 
in the process to eliminate all these impurities. If these impurities are 
present to any extent in the sugar there will be certain odors that can 
be easily detected by those accustomed to them when the sugar is 
confined in packages, barrels, etc. These impurities also have the 
effect of discoloring the sugar, which can be readily discovered by 
experts in sugar testing. Hence, the farmer will always be met at 
the factory door with the demand on the part of the superintendent for 
pure beets. In fact, all contracts made by the manufacturers with the 
farmers for growing sugar beets demand beets of a certain sugar content 
and purity. The standard in this country is usually put at 12 per cent 
of sugar in the beet, with a coefficient purity of 80 per cent. The three 
natural conditions that influence this sugar content and purity most 
are the x)hysical properties of the soil; the moisture, either through 
irrigation or rainfall; and the temperature during the growing season. 
The sugar-beet region of the United States must, therefore, be such a 
region or belt as will admit of growing beets equal or superior to the 
above standard. In some of the bulletins and other publications 
issued by the Department of Agriculture on the sugar-beet industry 
a map has been published showing the region or territory in this 
country which, owing to the conditions of temperature through a series 
of years during the growing season, is particularly adapted to the 
growth of the sugar beet. This map was compiled from data in the 
Weather Bureau covering a series of ten years, taking 70° F. as the 
standard requirement for the growth of the beets during the growing 
season, which is considered to be June, July, and August; 70° F. was 
selec+ed because a study of the temperature conditions of the most 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 165 

successful sugar-beet regions of Eurppe showed that this was the pre- 
vailing average temperature for a series of years during the growing 
season there. This map has been considerably misunderstood by the 
public generally and by some of those intimately associated with the 
stimulation of the beet-sugar industry. It has appeared to some as 
though it was intended for an outline of the sugar-beet belt in this 
country, although in the references to it in all of the publications of 
the Department of Agriculture it has been distinctly stated that this 
was only a thermal map, showing where only one of the required con- 
ditions prevailed, that of temperature, which seemed best adapted in 
Europe to the growth of these beets. Of course, when an arbitrary 
standard like 70^ F. is selected, the compilers of maps will have 'to 
draw their thermal lines as shown by the data on record, and it can be 
stated here that while this number of degrees may be the temperature 
condition demanded in Europe, still the fact that our conditions are so 
vastly different in other respects might modify the temperature 
demanded here. Under these circumstances, when we come to compile 
a thermal map in the" future, as demanded by our experience in the 
growth of the sugar beets, for a number of years, it may show a some- 
what different basis of temperature. This is all speculative, however, 
and future experience will probably give us a true temperature stand- 
ard. One thing that the writer wishes to impress upon all interested 
is that the map referred to was based on a thermal standard entirely. 
It was intended simply as a suggestion, and never to show the actual 
sugar-beet belt of the United States. 

It might be well to suggest in this discussion of the sugar-beet belt 
of the United States that the factories now in operation in this country, 
viz, at Eome, N. Y.; Grand Island and Norfolk, Nebr.; Lehi, Utah; 
Alvarado, Watsonville, Chino, and Los Alamitos, Cal., and Eddy, Pecos 
Valley, N. Mex., are all in the thermal belt shown on the map referred to. 

THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT. 

It will probably be interesting to the public to understand something 
of the policy of the Department of Agriculture with reference to the 
work it has inaugurated along the line of discovery of the actual sugar- 
beet belt of the United States — that is, to locate it by actual experi- 
ment and experience in growing the beets. These beets are to be 
tested for sugar content and purity, and then a study is to be made of 
soil, moisture, and climate. This will show the merits of each locality, 
after a series of experiments, where normal conditions prevail. In 
carrying out this policy 7 tons or more of sugar-beet seed were distrib- 
uted over a large portion of the country, and about twenty-eight 
States participated in the experiment. As a rule the seeds were sent 
to the agricultural experiment stations to be delivered to the farmers 
from lists made up by the experiment station in the State. Some mis- 
cellaneous lots were sent out under the direction of Members of Con- 
gress and Senators, who furnished lists of names. In these cases the 



166 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

seeds were sent direct to the far;ner by the Department of Agriculture. 
In a few iu stances parties applied direct to the Secretary of Agricul- 
ture for the seed, indicating a strong interest in the enterprise, as well 
as a desire to test the growth of sugar beets in their respective locali- 
ties. In such cases the seeds were sent. Bulletins giving directions 
for cultivating and harvesting were distributed with the seeds. The 
writer of this was directed to secure lists of the names of all ])arties to 
whom seeds were sent and who were participating in the experiments, 
and then to visit as many such persons during the growing season as 
might be possible. He was to note such facts as might be of interest, 
and to make a general study of the conditions, both for growing the 
silgar beets and manufacturing them into sugar; in fact, to gather all 
general practical information possible toucliing this industry. As 
stated, the seeds were sent to all parts of the country, and the State 
experiment stations entered actively into the investigation, North, 
South, East, and West; so that the results of the experiments will not 
only show to some localities that they are well adapted to sugar-beet 
raising, but it will demonstrate to others, probably, that they are not. 

MODIFYING CONDITIONS. 

We will refer to some conditions other than temperature that modify 
tiie sugar-beet belt. The sugar beet, like other farm products, requires 
moisture, although we believe that it is generally accepted that the 
sugar beet will succeed with considerably less moisture than the ordi- 
nary farm products, such as corn, wheat, oats, barley, potatoes, etc. 
The beets grow in the Mississippi Valley ; in Nebraska they are grown 
commercially and under rain conditions. We have been informed by 
practical sugar-beet growers in Nebraska that the beets will succeed with 
considerably less moisture than is necessary fur the other crops named, 
some persons putting it at less than one-half. The writer's observation 
has been that this is true, provided the physical conditions of the soil are 
favorable. It is believed that the sugar beet does not require so much 
less moisture, but that it has a propensity and better facilities for get- 
ting moisture after it has gone deeper into the soil. The sugar beet 
will send its taproot down as far as 12 or 13 feet. It is not unlike alfalfa 
in this respect. If we have, therefore, the conditions of soil that they 
have in a large part of Nebraska along the Platte Valley, the sugar 
beet will readily get its moisture. The underlying soil in a large part 
of the sugar-beet district of Nebraska has a moisture-bearing stratum 
from 4 to G feet in depth, and it is not uncommon to hear farmers say 
"we get our first water from 4 to 6 feet from the surface." The soil 
being loose and sandy and the subsoil being suflSciently penetrable, the 
sugar beet readilj^ goes down to this depth. In its earlier stages it is 
aided in securing its moisture by ca]>illary attraction, which, induced by 
proper cultivation, brings the water up from below. It might be said 
that one of the ideal conditions for growing sugar beets is a soil having 
a sandy or porous moisture-bearing stratum such as we have mentioned. 



BEET-SUCrAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 167 

Sugar beets are grown where there are both rain conditions and 
irrigation. Such is the case with the beets grown for the Lehi factory 
in Utah. The growth of the beet is started with rains, and moisture 
is continued with irrigation. Of course these are conditions which 
might modify considerably the sugar-beet belt. Sugar beets are also 
grown entirely under irrigation, as, for example, the beets grown for 
the factory in the Pecos Valley, New Mexico. As this country is to 
demonstrate to the Avorld what can be accomplished in the growing of 
sugar beets by irrigation, which has not been attempted to any con- 
siderable extent in Europe, it will probably show that irrigation will 
greatly modify our sugar-beet belt. Exi^erience has shown that sugar 
beets can be successfully grown by irrigation, and our experiments are 
now showing that in the vast areas in the arid regions of Colorado, 
Utah, Montana, and other States which have natural facilities for irriga- 
tion, a high-grade beet can be grown successfully. When this is known, 
there is no doubt that the enterprise of these localities will take advan- 
tage of this fact to extend their resources. Sugar beets are also grown 
successfully without either rain or irrigation. This is the case with 
nearly all of the sugar beets grown in California. The sugar-beet 
grower of California takes advantage of the fact that his soil is thor- 
oughly saturated with heavy winter rains and puts it in condition for 
planting the seed while the soil is sufficiently moist for its germina- 
tion. The beets secure their moisture for the remainder of their growth 
from the moisture-bearing propensity of the soil, which is not yet fully 
understood. This moisture-bearing propensity seems to come from the 
drainage of the mountains which are saturated during the heavy rains 
of the winter, as the sugar-beet region might be said to be on the coast 
side of the mountain ranges in California. These lands are called by 
the Californians 'klamp lands," and the drainage seems to keep up 
during the growing season. The grower appears to understand fully 
the effect of capillary attraction in raising this moisture during the 
earlier growth of the beets, and aims to keep a dust mulch by cultiva- 
tion to prevent excessive evaporation. There is a large region in Cali- 
fornia yet unimj)roved, and also some improved areas, which have con- 
ditions similar to those described and which can be utilized for grow- 
ing sugar beets; in fact, we believe that California has demonstrated 
facilities so extensive and conditions so favorable to the beet-sugar 
industry that this State will only be limited in production by the extent 
of its market, modified by freight rates and shipping facilities. 

PHYSICAL CONDITION OF THE SOIL. 

The physical condition and properties of the soil are features that 
might be considered as modifying the sugar-beet belt. There has been 
mentioned above, under "Moisture," the physical condition induced by 
subirrigatioD. Now, while a great deal has been said and written about 
the kinds of soil desirable for growing sugar beets, it does not seem 



168 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tliat enongli stress has been put upon the necessity of a desirable sub- 
soil. It has been seen that the plant strikes deep down into the soil; 
this is its habit, and conditions are favorable only when it can do 
this without obstruction or interference from a hard or tough subsoil. 
The subsoil should be of a porous and penetrable nature. Hardpans 
and other stiff subsoils are fatal to the success of the beet. In regard 
to the surface soils, it has been found that there are quite a number 
of such soils in which the beets do well. It is generally admitted that 
a sandy loam is best; clay loam is considered good; and dark loams 
are also considered good if they are free from elements that stim- 
ulate impurities. New timber and brush lands that are considered 
very desirable for corn, potatoes, and some other crops are undesirable. 
These lauds have a tendency to make a large beet and to give it too 
much opportunity for taking up impurities. Still, soils made from the 
disintegrated rock which has been washed down from the mountains 
into the valleys seem quite favorable for the growth of the sugar beet. 
The physical property of porosity is an important feature. The sugar 
beet generally succeeds well in any soil that does not become packed 
and hard, provided the soil does not contain undesirable plant-food 
elements. The best and only safe test of the soil as to its desirable or 
obnoxious elements is that made by experimenting with the actual 
growth of the beets in such soil. 

ALTITUDE. 

There is another class of influences that modify the sugar-beet belt. 
Take, for instance, altitude. There may be an extent of territory 
sufficient to support a beet- sugar factory where, on account of its alti- 
tude, the conditions are quite different from those prevailing in the 
surrounding country, and we have no doubt that there are a great many 
localities of this kind. It should be the aim of the people of these high 
localities, if they are interested in this industry, to test their conditions 
separately and apart from the experiments in other portions of the 
State. The trend of mountains and location of valleys modify mate- 
rially the season in localities. Take, for illustration, the sugar beets fur- 
nished to the factory at Watsonville, Cal. Some of them are planted 
as early as February and others as late as April. Some are harvested 
as early as the latter part of July and others not until the latter part of 
the fall; thus showing that in a very small scope of country there is a 
material difference in the dates of the beginning and ending of the sea- 
sons, as affected by mountains, prevailing winds, etc. It might be 
interesting to note here that there is an important economical point in 
this difference of season in connection with the beets grown for a par- 
ticular factory. It permits the factory to begin the harvesting of beets 
in the district where they ripen first and to continue the harvesting in 
districts according as they range in order of season. Of course, this 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 169 

would not be true in any of the Mississippi Valley States, but it shows 
one of the advantages of the conditions prevailing in California. 

Mr. Cutter, manager of the Lehi (Utah) factory, says of Utah: "All 
localities in our State where the elevation is not more than 5,000 feet 
and where they have about the same kind of temperature the beets 
show good results in sugar and purity." Throughout different sections 
in Colorado sugar beets are grown at an altitude of G,000 feet. While 
talking with a gentleman at Glenwood Springs, Colo., who is very much 
interested in growing sugar beets in that locality, which is a very 
mountainous and broken district, we asked where he had grown those 
under the experiment he had referred to, he replied: "On top of the 
mountains you see around here." 

The Importance op the Industry to This Country. 

The annual import of sugar into this country is something like 
1,800,000 tons. The valuation of this importation is over $100,000,000. 
We think that it will be generally accepted now as a fact that this 
sugar could be produced in this country at a profit. We believe that 
if the factories were built and in operation in those localities having 
the best conditions for the growth of the sugar beet, with the farmers 
thoroughly educated in its culture, the United States, with the supe- 
rior natural advantages mentioned, could enter into free competition 
with the other sugar-producing countries of the world. 

There will now be considered the home production of this amount of 
sugar under the present status of Government encouragement, which 
the writer believes is highly necessary to establish the industry. Leav- 
ing to the future the policy of the Government as to exercising a fostering 
care, we will suggest some of the great benefits that will accrue from 
this vast business of producing $100,000,000 worth of sugar. 

RENTS AND VALUES. 

The writer observed during his inspection of sugar-beet farms this 
summer that the owners of the land received in many instances as 
high as $5, in some cases $G, and in a few cases $7 per acre cash rent 
for land devoted to the raising of sugar beets, and this in localities 
where $3 per acre would have been the highest possible amount which 
could have been obtained as rent for similar land used for other farm- 
ing purposes. Inquiry was made particularly into the value of land 
on which sugar beets were being raised around Watsonville and Alva- 
rado, Cal., and it was rarely placed lower than $200 per acre. Eents 
were rated at from $10 to $15 per acre, yet these farmers claimed to be 
making a good profit raising beets. The sugar-beet lands of Utah 
were very much enhanced in value, so that the experience of this coun- 
try up to the present time seems to be that the location of a beet-sugar 
factory in a district causes a healthy rise in rents and values of lands. 



170 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

HIGH STATE OF LAND CULTURE. 

Anotlier importaut feature that must not be lost sight of is the high 
state of cultivation to which the lauds are brought in raising sugar 
beets. The culture of the sugar beet must be considered really as the 
best type of garden culture. It requires deep plowing, careful pulver- 
izing, and more careful tillage. It is intensive farming in every sense 
of the word. The value of a year's work in raising sugar beets must 
not be estimated entirely by the money received for the beets after they 
have been marketed, but the wonderful effect it has on the succeeding 
crops, both as to quality and quantity, must be taken into consideration. 

The attention of the writer was drawn during the summer to the 
splendid condition of the soil where corn was being cultivated. The 
soil, which was absolutely clean from weeds, was soft and mellow, aud 
the effect on the growing corn was marked. The attention of the farmer 
being called to this fact, he remarked, "Why should it not be"? I grew 
sugar beets there two years ago." So we must realize that the exten- 
sive raising of sugar beets will bring the farms up to this high state of 
cultivation. It will also cause the farmer to observe the effect of this 
kind of cultivation, and will thus gradually lead to the same cultivation 
and better crops in localities where the sugar beet is not cultivated, 
resulting in better farmers in the future under the influence of the beet- 
sugar industry. To repeat, it will lead to better methods in the farming- 
industry generally by offering wider opportunities for more systematic 
and economic rotation of crops and the better balancing of nitrogen 
furnishers and nitrogen consumers. 

EMPLOYMENT OF LABOR AND DEMAND FOR CRUDE MATERIAL. 

The introduction of this industry into this country means the employ- 
ment of a large amount of labor, both directly and indirectly. The 
raising of sugar beets requires considerably more labor than any other 
farm product, and it is labor of such a kind and extent that no farmer 
doing considerable business could hope to perform more than a small 
portion of it. The farmer would receive enough for his beets to pay 
the expense in this direction, and of course would feel free to hire the 
labor, so that the raising of the quantity of beets sufficient to furnish 
the sugar demanded for our own consumption would call for the employ- 
ment of large numbers of the laborers whose eftbrts are now employed 
in other directions, thus greatly increasing the avenues of employment. 
The sugar factories themselves would require many employees. In 
these two directions alone many people would receive employment 
directly in the beet-sugar enterprise. In addition to this the factories 
will have demands which will call for an extensive employment of 
labor in other branches of industry. For instance, they will be exten- 
sive users of fuel, and this would mean the employment of miners on a 
large scale and the remuneration of mine operators in mining and mar- 
keting the coal. The factories will also require considerable coke for 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 171 

burniug their limestone, which is demanded in large quantities for fur- 
nishing the carbonic-acid gas and lime necessary in the purification of 
the beet juices. Tiiis would require the employment by the coke pro- 
ducers of quarrymen and laborers. To build the factories and to i^lace 
the necessary machinery in them to meet this great demand for sugar 
would mean the employment of many laborers — mechanics in building 
and mechanics in machine shops — both skilled and otherwise. Then 
we must consider that all these crude materials mentioned must bo 
transported from their various sources of supply to the factories, and 
that after the beets have been worked and the sugar produced the fin- 
ished product must be put upon the market and hauled to its destina- 
tion. This means greatly increased freight transportation, calling for 
the further employment of labor. Then the extensive use of capital 
required in the building uj) and the carrying on of the industry is one 
of the most important factors to be considered. 

BY-PRODUCTS. 

There would be advantages to this country accruing from the beet- 
sugar industry in the stimulation it would give to corollary industries. 
After the juice is extracted from the beets we have remaining the beet 
cossetts, or pulp. This is known to be very useful and desirable feed for 
animals. In Europe it is extensively used in feeding. In this country it 
is gradually growing in favor as a desirable element in a well-balanced 
ration for animal feed. In another place in this report we shall give the 
views of a gentleman who is an extensive feeder of cattle and who has 
made many experiments with feeding beet pulp to animals in different 
rations against other animals that were not so fed, and he is very enthu- 
siastic in his praise of beet pulp as a feed for animals. Some factories in 
this country are enabled to dispose of their pulp to a greater extent than 
others. It depends largely upon the education or information those 
engaged in the feeding industry have acquired in this direction and 
upon whether they have had an opportunity of availing themselves of 
it. Farmers as a rule seem to be slow in taking hold, but where they do 
give the pulp a trial it becomes a popular feature on their farms after- 
wards. Around some of the factories comjianies have been organized 
and arrangements made for feeding on a large scale. They are depend- 
ent upon the demands of the farmers, and it can be said that the 
demand for the pulp is constantly increasing. It is probable that in a 
sliort time the demand will exceed the supply. It is found to be very 
desirable for cattle feeding as well as for sheep, and for dairy feeding 
it is ideal. Dairies and creameries follow naturally in the wake of fac- 
tories, and we think the introduction of beet-sugar factories in this 
country will afford the creameries and dairies an opportunity for pro- 
viding a ration for their cows which will secure the best results. Three 
dairies have started in connection with beet-sugar factories in the United 
States, and since we have from 35 to 50 per cent of pulj) from the original 
beet, depending upon the amount of pressure that is applied in extracting 



172 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tlie water before the pulp goes into silos or is hauled away, any factory 
will furnish a large amount of feed for the adjacent country, and it can be 
shipped by railroad or hauled profitably long distances by wagon. The 
pulp is usually preserved by placing it in silos at the factory, but it 
.has wonderful keeping qualities, which are advantageous. At Grand 
Island pulp three years old was used for feeding purposes which 
had simply been hauled out on the prairie in large quantities and left 
there. After a few inches of the top were scraped off the pulp seemed 
to be pure and fresh and palatable. In fact, we are informed that this 
pulp was preferred by the feeder. At present pulp is sold from 10 to 
50 cents per ton, depending largely upon the demand for it. There are 
places where the factories are giving the pulp away to the farmers in 
order to get them to use it and thus gain a knowledge of its utility for 
feeding purposes, as well as to get it out of the way. The disposal of this 
pulp, should it not find an avenue in the direction of feeding purposes, 
would be a serious question to the factories. The farmer will find in 
the future that it is a cheap feed ; that he can conveniently store it and 
keep it; that he can easily prepare it for feeding and handling, and 
that feeding it will give good returns for a small outlay of labor 
and expense. 

During the summer the writer talked with a gentleman who had 
been examining the fiber of the pulp with a view to experimenting 
with it for manufacturing paj)er. What this will lead to we do not 
know, but it is probable that experience will discover other uses for it, 
possibly as desirable as for feed for animals. The more a farmer has 
to do with this pulp the more he will see that he can make it a thing of 
value. In this way the demand for the pulp will increase, and when 
this demand becomes greater than the suj)ply it will bring higher 
prices. While this will mean greater expense to the farmer, it will 
mean a better remuneration to the factory owner in his business, and 
the equilibrium between the farmer and the factory will be the better 
adjusted. 

MOLASSES. 

There is a very important residuum which occurs in the manufacture 
of beet sugar known as "molasses." This is an item of considerable 
importance, and it is receiving consideration at present, as it has since 
the industry was inaugurated. It has been and is desirable to keep 
this molasses at the lowest j)ossible minimum. The amount of this 
residuum left after the sugar has been extracted depends largely ujion 
the purity of the beets and the efi'ectiveness of the processes of the 
different factories. Of sugar, it still contains from 16 to 25 per cent of 
" boiled stuff"," depending largely on the purity of the beet and. as has 
been stated, the effectiveness of the process. It has a very bitter and 
disagreeable taste, because it contains all the impurities which were 
not eliminated originally from the juice, and also the impurities intro- 
duced during the manufacture of the sugar, and which could not be 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 173 

wholly extracted. These impurities exist in a condensed form in this 
residuum molasses, and it is not to be considered in any sense as proper 
for human diet. The manufacturer looks upon it as an item of con- 
siderable importance, and he has been working with a viev/ of turn- 
inj>- it in some way to the profit side of his account. Experiments are 
being made in this direction. One set of experiments is to reduce the 
molasses to the lowest possible minimum. There have been difterent 
processes used for this purpose. We believe the " Steiten process" 
stands first. Considerable progress is being made in this direction, 
notably at Chiuo, Cal., where this process, improved by the factory, is 
being used with, it is understood, highly satisfactory results to the 
factory experts and superintendents. 

In the Stefifeu i)rocess the sugar in the molasses is converted into a 
compound by adding a proper proportion of finely pulverized lime to a 
l)roportion of the solution of molasses, and the whole is cooled down to 
a low temperature by means of ice. A tricalcium saccharate is formed, 
and this is extracted from the solution by passing the whole through a 
filter. The juice is then heated to a certain temperature, about 190° F., 
when a further precipitation of this calcium sugar compound occurs, 
which is known as hot saccharate. This is separated again from the juice 
by means of a filter ; the juice then is allowed to pass away in the sewer. 
The process deals further with this calcium sugar compound, which is 
sent back into the factory and suspended in solution of water, and 
carbonic-acid gas again introduced, which forms a union with the lime 
and precipitates the same as calcium carbonate. The juice is then 
further operated on in a manner similar to that employed for the regu- 
lar juice found in the beet. This description is given more for the 
general public than for the benefit of experts, but it is pertinent to 
state here that through this Stefl'en process the factories are able to 
secure a large part of the sugar in this molasses that has formerly been 
a loss to them. There does not seem to be any doubt about the eflect- 
iveness of the process. It is simply a question of the expense, and it 
is hoped that further experience and improvements in this process will 
enable the factories to i^ractically and profitably recover the sugar con- 
tained in this residuum. This matter has been mentioned here as an 
illustration of one of the sources from which the factories are hoping 
to reduce the cost of i)roduction. 

There are other processes being used to recover the sugar in this 
molasses, and the feeling is quite hopeful that one or more of them will 
finally be improved and cheapened to such an extent as to be available 
for the work, and that the final loss of sugar in the molasses will be 
very considerably lessened. The writer was informed by a technical 
superintendent of one of the factories that there is a process known as 
the "alcohol process" of working the molasses to recover the sugar, 
and that through it, if .the laws in this country were favorable to its 
use, this loss might be largely eliminated. In this process it would be 



174 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

necessary to recover the alcobol by distillation after each operation, in 
order to save expense by nsiug the same alcohol over and over again 
in working the molasses. This, however, would be a violation of the 
internal-revenue laws unless the factories met the demands of the 
Government as distillers, and this they could not afford to do. 

ALCOHOL. 

The factories are also working along other lines to reduce the loss in 
this direction. They are trying to discover useful and valuable by-prod- 
ucts that might be manufactured from this molasses. One of the 
things that has been made from the molasses is alcohol. We believe 
that in some places in Europe they are making alcohol profitably from 
this residuum. Some of the factory people in this country claim that if 
the internal-revenue laws were more favorable and would offer more 
encouragement processes could be worked that would practically 
eliminate this loss in the molasses. 

FOOD FOR STOCK. 

A great deal has been done with the molasses in various mixtures to 
utilize it as a feed for stock by placing it in ground feeds and other 
rations. There are also places where it is mixed with leaves of the 
beet, and, after being allowed to stand in silos, is fed out in this way. 
It has been mixed with the pulp in certain localities. All these prob- 
lems have received more or less attention from scientific and agricultural 
journals, and are said to be attended with quite favorable results. These 
matters, however, will undoubtedly be thoroughly tested when the 
beet-sugar industry shall have been fully inaugurated in this country, 
and we simply suggest them here under tlie heading of " By products," 
so that the public may see in a general way that a beet-sugar factory 
may be useful in other directions than the direct production of sugar. 

FERTILIZERS. 

Molasses has been used more or less in restoring to certain soils those 
mineral elements which the molasses is known to contain, and it is 
understood that this has been attended in some cases with good results, 
especially in i)laces where the soil is defective in these elements. It has 
been stated that lime is used in large quantities in the production of 
beet sugar, from 6 to 10 per cent being used to the ton of beets. 

As the factories in this country have a capacity of from 350 to 1,000 
tons of beets per day, it is easy to figure the large amount of limestone 
that is required. Most of this lime does service in a mechanical way, 
and results finally as a residuum. It will thus be seen that the facto- 
ries have large quantities of this waste product in a pulverized or soft 
state. In all of the factories except one this material is simply a waste 
as far as the factory is concerned. It is used 'to fill depressions and 
holes should any exist near the factory. If not used in this way it 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED 3TA.TES. 175 

accamalates and forms large bulky ricks or piles, which are in the way 
of the factory. This waste lime would be very useful on some lands as 
a fertilizer. It can be easily hauled away by the farmer who has brought 
in a load of beets to the factory, and he can thus return to his home 
with a load of lime fertilizer for his farm. We understand that in 
Europe the value of this lime is appreciated and the output is largely 
used for fertilizing. 

Around most of the factories large feeding centers are being estab- 
lished. As a result there are large collections of manure, which are 
scraped out of the way and formed into piles. This manure is readily 
given to the farmer for removal, and a thoughtful, frugal, and scientific 
farmer can utilize his time, after delivering a load of beets, to no bet- 
ter advantage than by returning with a load of feed in the form of 
inilp, a load of manure, or a load of lime fertilizer. In this way his 
time is economized and his land profited and enriched. 

The beet leaves and that portion of the beet cut off in " topping " 
the beets are considered very valuable for feeding. It has been dis- 
covered that this course, however, has a tendency to exhaust the soil, 
and it is better to allow the tops and leaves to remain on the field to 
act as a fertilizer and thus preserve the soil. Much of the more valua- 
ble portion of the elements contained in the sugar beet which the soil 
needs for recuperation is in the top and leaves. This fact has become 
so thoroughly well known to the factories in this country that some of 
them even stipulate in their contracts with the farmer that the leaves 
and tops shall remain on the ground, which seems to be a wise provision. 

The United States as a Competitor of Europe in the Beet- 
sugar Industry. 

If we consider only those localities in this country that have the 
best conditions and facilities for taking up the beet-sugar industry and 
limit the territory simply to that portion capable of producing our 
own consumption of sugar, it might be said that the United States 
possesses some material advantages over Europe. 

NATURAL FERTILITY OF THE SOIL. 

One of the advantages in this country is the natural fertility of the 
soil. One of the strong items of expenst!; in producing sugar beets in 
Europe is the costly fertilization which must be resorted to in order to 
grow them. We have looked over many of the European estimates of 
cost of raising an acre of sugar beets and find that $10 to $20 is not an 
unfair estimate for this purpose. The beets grown in this country are 
produced from the natural fertility of the soil, and our agriculturists 
generally believe that this will be true for some time to come. 



176 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

AMERICAN INGENUITY AND ENTERPRISE. 

From our history in otlior dii ectious in the past, and from the intor- 
ostin<i' features tluit can now bo n(>te(l in the beet-supir industry, it is 
fair to count the in<;cnuity and enterprise of our people as among this 
country's advantages over lOurope. Among the interesting things the 
writer observed in his visits to the beet sugar factories in this country 
during the past year was the rapidity with which our people are changing 
tlie machinery of the factories, shortening the processes and perlecting 
them by improving the machinery, and lowering the cost of production 
by simplitication. In this connection we might instance the factories 
of Lehi and Los Alamitos, all the nmchinery in which was made and 
designed in tlie United States, and it was with pleasure we noted that 
the factory i)eople generally looked upon these two Victories as models, 
especially the one at Los Alamitos, which was established later than 
the one at Lehi. It nuiy be said that the factories of the United 
States are kept np to date with all improvements in factory work, aiul 
a large portion of their resting i)eriod after each campaign is utdized 
in overhauling and re[)lacing some of their macliinery with the newest 
and best of its kind, it is interesting to note in this respect that a 
large part of this replacement is with American machinery. One tac- 
tory, after two years' use, took out iu one division machinery that cost 
$05,000, made obsolete by .\merican improved processes. This iinprove 
meut has also gone on in the implements used in the cultivation of the 
beet. A tirm in Illinois which, in the beginning of sugar-beet growing 
in this country, began a careful study of the needs and demands of the 
farmer in this respect, has put out a full line of implements to meet 
every demand of the sugar-beet grower, from seeding, through cultiva- 
tion, to harvesting. These implements have been improved and kept 
up to date and tbnn a wonderful and interesting comparison with tlie 
most modern implements imported from Europe. It was the writer's 
privilege during last summer to examine a cultivator imported from 
(lermany by a gentleman who had come here from that country, where 
he had been a beet grower on a large scale, to embark extensively in 
the growing of sugar beets, lie was growing at the time about I'OO 
acres, and asked the writer to inspect this cultivator, which he said was 
the most modern cultivator in (lerniany. It reciuired two horses to 
haul it, one man to guide or lead tlie horses, another to operate the 
guide wheel and keep the cultivator straight in the rows, and a third 
nnxn to manipulate the cultivator handles. Thus we see that to oper- 
ate this cultivator required a heavy team and three men. Four rows 
of beets were cultivated at onoe, and the work was successfully done. 
The same afternoon, while looking over the beet farm, we discovered 
an up-to-date American-made i-ultivator of the Illinois tirm above 
referred to. This cultivator was doing the Avork apparently as success- 
fully as the German implement and was not nearly so cumbersome. 
It was drawn by one mule and was handled by one man. It was 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 177 

cultivating four rows, tlic same as the other cultivator, and it was the 
opinion of several beet growers present that this American cnltivator 
with one mule and one man was doing as mucli work and as success- 
fully as the other imi)Iement with three men and two large horses. 

Tlie same instincts tliat lead the American to ])etter his implements 
and improve liis macliinery will probably lead the American farmer 
into a closer investigation of the sugar beet to understand its nature, 
relation to the soil, and habits of growth, to the end that he may adopt 
more effective methods of cultivation. 

FAVORED MARKETS. 

Another item of material advantage to our peo[)lc is the fact that we 
live in a market that has to be supplied^ and the European has to 
transport his ])roducts a long distance to reach the same market. A 
great deal of the territory that is showing first-class <;onditions for 
growing sugar beets and for manufacturing them into sugar is located 
around our Great Lakes, and the great centers of trade are easily 
accessible at low freight rates through competition of railroads and 
water navigation, and with the choice of transportation by either. 
The above are natural advantages. 

The Fifty-lifth Congress at its tirst session placed a duty of 95 cents 
per hundred pounds on raw sugar not above 10 Dutcii stai'idard in 
color, and not above 75 degrees polarization, and then on a rising scale 
of 3.5 cents per hundred pounds for each additional degree for higher 
grades of sugar until it reaches 182.5 cents per hundred jKJunds on 
refined sugar of 100 degrees polarization. Where the sugar imported 
is higher in color than 10 Dutch standard, 12.5 cents per hundred 
pounds additional duty is charged. This is called differential. Where 
countries like (lerujany pay a bounty to the manufacturer of sugar 
there must be an additional amount ijaid on such sugar before it can 
be received into this country equal to the bounty paid on its produc- 
tion. In Germany this is 31 to 39 cents per hundred pounds, and in 
France it is more. This act puts all countries on an erpial footing when 
they present their sugar at our doors. It also gives the American pro- 
ducer the benefit of tiie fact that the foreign manufacturer must forfeit 
his bounty U) the United States Government before he can become a 
competitor with our manufacturers here. 

COMPARATIVELY SMALL AREA NEEDED. 

When we consider the number of acres needed to raise the beets for 
the production of our own sugar, in comparison with the vast territory 
of the United States, the amount seems small, and, indeed, the amount 
of such laud is small in comparison with the extent of our territory 
that i)ossesses conditions suitable for the purpose. The fact that we 
are in the infancy of this industry is to be considered an advantage at 
this time, in that it gives us an opportunity to select the best and most 
H. Doc. 396 12 



178 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

resourceful section of territory for this industry. It should be our aim 
in buildiug up an industry of this kind, where competition is close, 
where we are really feeling our way, and where large capital is required 
to inaugurate it, to utilize our best resources in the pioneer work. As 
the industry works its way up, asserting its possibilities and demon- 
strating its trade relations, we can bring into action our reserve 
resources when it is found that we can enter the other markets of the 
world. It must be kept in mind by our i)eople that they not only have 
to meet the competition of other countries, but that they are entering 
into competition with each other in our own markets. There is, there- 
fore, the strongest necessity for intelligent study of resources before 
embarking in the enterprise. It requires large capital to inaugurate 
and start a factory. As time goes on we will know more about our 
resources in this direction', and those localities having the very best 
conditions should be allowed to demonstrate the fact. 

General Observations on Experiments of Last Year. 

We found, as a rule, that the farmers were going more upon their 
own experience and knowledge of growing field crops than they were 
upon the directions given them by the Department and experiment 
stations. They seemed to think that these directions were superfluous, 
calling for work that was difficult and requiring the planting and the 
cultivation of the beets in a manner that was totally foreign to their 
exi^erience, and therefore wrong. They failed to appreciate the fact 
that they were dealing with a new feature in farming, or one which they 
had hitherto neglected, and in modifying the directions they were vio- 
lating some of the fundamental i^rinciples on which the success of the 
sugar beet for factory purposes depends. They seemed to look upon 
the experiment of growing the sugar beet as a thing in which there 
was no remuneration, and, therefore, a thing on which they could not 
afford to waste much time. In considering the experiment of growing 
sugar beets during the i^ast year the general public may get an indica- 
tion of the first great difficulty the industry in this country is to meet 
and master, and that is the education of the farmer to the necessities 
of the cultivation required. With a view of offering a suggestion that 
may help in the future, some of the facts that came under our observa- 
tion in this work will be recorded, noting only experiments of growing- 
sugar beets on small plats on farms miscellaneously. 

experimental BEET PLANTS. 

It is the aim of the experiment to demonstrate the facts and condi- 
tions that might obtain in a general way by showing the result through 
efforts directed in a small way. The farmer, when he receives beet 
seeds, with the understanding that he will grow them on his farm, does 
so with the implied obligation that he will conduct the experiment 
according to the directions, whether they suit his notions or not. He 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 179 

should kuow that the results of the experiment must stand on its own 
merits, whether good or bad, since it was undertaken simj^ly to gain 
the facts. Any other course than this is not only worthless as an 
experiment, but is misleading. When a place is to be selected for 
growing the beets the farmer should have in mind, first, such a plat of 
ground as will be typical of the region in which he lives. The plat 
should also be typical of his own farm laud, so that the results 
obtained will indicate what might be expected from his j)articular 
region or from his own farm. It was found that in selecting these plats 
it was too often the tendency of the farmer to take a piece of ground, 
either in his garden or field, which was not used, for one reason or 
another, in growing other crops. This plat of land would stand out as 
a sort of nondescript, and would attract his attention, the only basis of 
his decision for selecting it as a place to make the sugar-beet experi- 
ment. The objection to such a selection would be that it is not neces- 
sarily typical of any soils whose qualities he wishes to demonstrate. 
The folio wiijg are some of the reasons, selected from hundreds of the 
same kind, given by farmers visited for their choice of plats upon which 
to grow sugar beets: " It was three-cornered." " Too low for a garden." 
"It was recently heavily manured, and thought it would grow good 
beets." " It was a new clearing, and I thought I could grow good 
beets " (and yet there might not be a hundred acres of new clearing in 
the country). " I could not grow anything else on it, and I thought I 
would try beets." " I had that ground left when I sowed my oats, and 
this will square the piece." " I had that small piece left, and I did not 
know what else to plant there." 

The above reasons are entirely foreign to any which should have 
actuated a man in selecting a plat of land on which he was to make an 
experiment for growing sugar beets. As already stated, he should 
have chosen a piece of land, not the best or the poorest, but one that 
was typically representative of his farm and of the general farming 
region in his locality. 

PREPARATION OF THE SOIL FOR EXPERIMENTS. 

The preparation of the soil largely affects the success of the crop, and 
should be attended to with care. It should be the aim in growing sugar 
beets to grow them underground as much as possible. Any portion 
of the beet that appears above the ground is simply a loss. This is 
governed by deep plowing and close pulverization of the soil. The 
first plowing is generally done in the fall, followed by shallow spring 
plowing and harrowing. The soil is then ready for planting. It is 
sometimes rolled after planting, but this depends on the nature of the 
soil. The beet is now in a j)Osition to go down in the soil, in its earliest 
stages, with the least resistance. It was found that the farmers were 
loth to give the attention to the preparation of the soil which the proper 
cultivation of the sugar beet demands. Very few instances were found 



180 BEET-SUGAR IVDUSTBT IS THE UNITED STATES. 

where farmers had i>lowe<l their soil twice, or where sabsoiling was 
resorted to, or where the soil had been reduced to that nicety of pul- 
verization which is demanded. The farmer thought this was unneces- 
sary. •' It was not ne<;es.sary for com or other crop^i, and why should 
it be for sugar beets ?^ was a frequent expression, and yet exjjerieuce 
in growing sugar beets shows that such plowing and preparation are 
highly necessary. It is highly necessary to follow the instmetious 
given for the experiments, becau-se an experiment is made to demon- 
strate the possibilities of growing sugar beets on a particular farm or 
in a particular locality, and if the beet is not given the i»roi)er oi>x)or- 
tunity to do so the experiment demonstrates nothing. In the end, if 
the farmer Ls to go into the business of growing sugar beets, either on 
an extensive scale or in a small way, he will have to resort to the kind 
of plowing described above, and if he does not care to take the trouble 
to secure conditions under which the beets can only be successfully 
grown his efforts in experimenting are wasted and will only result, T)0s- 
sibly, in misleading him in the whole matter. This subject is treated of 
so fully because of the fact that so many failures in beet exj>eriment 
have occurred during the i>ast year that were due entirely to an abso- 
lute want of careful prex)aratiou of the soil and seed bed. While the 
ability of the American farmer as an agriculturist has been demon- 
strated, it must be stated tbiat before he can make a success of growing 
sugar beets he must abandon some private notions that he has on the 
subject and study the methods of cultivating the beets on the lines laid 
down by the long exi^erience of thase who have grown tbem extensively 
and successfully for factory jiurposes. 

PLAlCTINa Uf EXPEEEttENTAL BEDS. 

The beet i>lant must be limited in its growing space. If not it is liable 
to l^ecome too large. It must not have too much opi)Ortunity to take up 
from the sod those constituent i>arts known as impurities. Exj)erience 
in Germany, France, and other countries has shown that the beets 
should have just so much space and no more; and yet in most instances 
where beets were grown for experimental purposes by the farmer the 
rows were x>laced 30 or more inches apart, fre^^iuently planted the same 
width as corn rows. In a great many instances they would be trrown 
in one or two long rows, and in some places the beets were spaced out 
in the rows so that they would show up in rows two ways and could 
be plowed in two directions, like corn. To the query why the rows 
were not placed closer together and the beets nearer to each other in 
the row the answers were: '• We have plenty of ground, and it is not 
so valuable here that we have to crowd the beets together like they do 
when they grow sugar beets in Washington." " We plant them that 
way so we can i)low and cultivate thenj.^ "Nobody could cultivate 
beets where the rows were only 14 to 16 inches apart.*' These and 
similar answers showed that the idea was simply one aa to value and 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 181 

amount of land necessary for the experiment or having the beets 
arranged handily for cultivation, losing track of the fundamental prin- 
ciple involved — that to raise pure beets and get successful results 
generally they must be grown close together and limited to the si^ace 
which experiment has directed. 

CULTIVATION OF EXPERIMENTAL PLATS. 

To grow sugar beets successfully, supposing the conditions to be 
favorable, the soil must be kept free from the grasses and weeds and 
the ground stirred so as to allow the air to do its work in conjunction 
with the sunshine and moisture in order to secure from the beet the 
results tbat are desirable after it has matured. This is where some of 
the laborious efforts necessary in growing the sugar beet successfully 
are expended. The soil is not to be kept simply passively clean, as 
would perhaps be only necessary for corn, jiotatoes, and some other 
crops. It must be kept clean in every sense of the word, as clean as a 
well-regulated garden. It was found to be too often the case with the 
plants where beets were being grown from seed sent out by the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture and the experiment stations tliat weeds were 
allowed to grow and stand. The plats were neglected for almost every 
other part of the farm. In talking with the farmer in these cases it 
was f<mnd that it was his "intention as soon as he got something else 
done that he had in hand to clean out the beds," and in some instances 
this was done. The effects, however, of allowing the beets to stand in 
that condition even for a short time could not be eradicated and would 
show bad results at the end of the experiments. 

SAMPLING. 

The directions regarding samples provided a method for securing 
average samples as to size, form, and quality of the beets, but the 
growers often disregarded the instructions, and selected what in their 
judgment were the best samples from those grown in experiment. The 
information derived from the analyses of such samples is entirely mis- 
leading. In the first place, if the beet specimens are secured, we get 
results that are not iu keeping with the majority of the beets grown in 
that case. Hence, the information that the farmer and the public 
receive on this point is not accurate, and the tendency is to inspire 
liopes on the part of both that probably will not be realized. It might 
happen that the grower, in his attempt to get the best samples, is 
actuated by ideas of choice that will lead to securing the worst samples, 
and the result will be as misleading in this as in the first case. For 
instance, he is liable to select a large beet, which might be a test of 
good specimens in other crops, but which in the case of the sugar beet 
is the reverse. The sugar beet should range from 1 to 2 pounds in 
weight, but beets between these figures are the best samples. The 
factories in their contracts with the farmers in raising sugar beets 



182 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

always limit the size of the beet— usually to 2 pounds— and if many 
beets are larger the crop is condemned or the farmer is docked. These 
large beets are coarse, and the sugar percentage and purity are low. 

The sugar beets will grow to an enormous size, sometimes as large as 
18 pounds; so that the farmer can readily observe that it is one of the 
nice questions in connection with growing sugar beets to hold his crop 
down to the proper size. 

YIELD, OR "TONNAGE," PER ACRE. 

It has been impossible to secure through these general experiments 
any accurate knowledge of the tonnage per acre that has been grown 
iu the different parts of the country. It might seem a simple matter 
to take one of these small plats and get accurately the number of 
pounds of sugar beets grown and easily estimate the number of tons 
per acre from this fraction of an acre. It is, however, the opinion gen- 
erally of the directors of the experiment stations, as well as the con- 
clusion that the writer has formed from observation, that it is not 
possible to give any definite idea of the tonnage. This is an important 
feature of tlie information to be acquired in growing sugar beets in an 
experimental way, because it is the foundation upon which the success 
of growing these beets will depend as far as it affects the farmer, pro- 
vided he can grow beets of sufficient quality, and it is to be hoped tbat 
from future experiments in this line more careful and accurate data 
will be seen red. 

One of the points to be observed on the part of the farmer, of course, 
is to get as large tonnage per acre as possible. This is a legitimate 
ambition, and tins is the point at which he should aim, keeping in mind 
that he must grow a beet not larger than 2 pounds; a beet that will be 
acceptable to the factory and not be subject to dockage or rejection. 
The average tonnage where beets are grown for factory.purposes varies 
in different localities. It might be placed between 10 and 14 tons per 
acre, yet farmers can raise a good quality of beet with a tonnage rang- 
ing as high as 25 tons per acre. 

SMALL BEETS. 

A great deal has been said about growing beets too large, and some- 
thing should now be said about growing beets too small. A beet may 
be properly cultivated through a season, and yet, tlirough lack of mois- 
ture or some such cause, attain only a small size. The tendency of such 
a beet is to be high in sugar and purity per cent. This is very desir- 
able. But the objection to this kind of a beet is that it is neither profit- 
able for the farmer nor desirable for the factory, because of the tedious 
work required in its handling. We noticed in looking over the analyses 
of many beets grown this year that in cases where a high percentage in 
sugar and purity is shown the beets are very small. This is misleading 
to the farmer, and apt to lead him to suppose that he can grow beets of 
this high grade profitably for the market, but such is not the case; he 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 183 

can not afford to grow the small sizes. The experiment has only 
demonstrated what the sugar percentage is in these small beets, and 
does not give the percentage it would likely be in a large beet, such as 
the farmer could afford to raise. 

[Note. — It might be thought by some after reading certain remarks under some 
of the ]icading8 in this portion of the report that the writer is inclined to be a little 
hypercritical, bnt we wish to assure any such person that such is not our intention. 
It was our instructions when starting out in this work to make careful note of any- 
thing affecting the beet-sugar industry, and we have simply offered a few sugges- 
tions along this line in the hope that they might lead to a more careful consideration 
of the subject on the part of those particiijating in sugar-beet experiments in the 
future. If we shall have accomplished this object or shall have been instrumental 
in furthering it we shall feel highly rewarded for making these suggestions.] 

THE FACTOR OF INTELLIGENCE IN FARMING. 

It has been our observation that some localities take up the problem 
of sugar-beet growing more readily than others. It is well understood 
that the community is like the individual, and has its peculiarities, 
formed, of course, from the characteristics of the people. For instance, 
there are in the United States communities which are German, Russian, 
French, etc. In these instances it often happens that these communi- 
ties have grown from some colonization scheme which brought the 
majority of the people from the same part of the mother country, and in 
the case of colonies from Germany, France, and Russia it is very likely 
that the settlers came from the sugar-beet regions of those countries. 
Some of them may have had considerable experience in growing these 
beets, while others not having this experience have gained a knowledge 
of the nature of the sugar beet, the manner of its cultivation, and the 
amount of labor involved in its growth from the first-named class. A 
community of this kind is better equipped to begin the growing of 
sugar beets than a community without these advantages. In other 
parts of this country there are localities in which the intelligent Ameri- 
can farmer predominates. In such localities the farmer who has his 
farmers' organizations is an intelligent reader of agricultural litera- 
ture, takes an interest in farmers' institutes, and studies all opinions 
pertaining to his line of work ; he seeks and appreciates any knowl- 
edge relating to anything that he wishes to accomplish; he meets his 
fellow farmer at farmers' meetings, and discusses new features in farm- 
ing, or the introduction of new plants in his section. In a locality 
where these conditions prevail a factory can well be established, the 
promoters being sure of the best results from mutual and reciprocal 
relations, which ought always to exist between the factory and the 
beet grower. The factory may also hope to secure in such a district 
the best beets that can be grown, and, indeed, we think that it is to 
this class that the beet-sugar enterprise must look for the highest 
development of the sugar beet and the final victory of this industry in 
the United States over foreign competitors. 



184 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

LOCAL PROSPERITY ATTENDING THE BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY. 

The prosperous condition of a town or a locality wliere a beet-sugar 
factory was in operation was one of the interesting features of this 
investigation. Tlie two factory towns in Nebraska and the one (Lelii) 
in ritab may be cited as examples, because the factory interest of these 
places stands out more clearly as the one cause of this local prosperity. 
It may be said that there is no one in these towns desiring employ- 
ment during the growing season of the sugar beet that can not secure 
it readily, and it was a wonderfully interesting sight, in traveling over 
the farms, to see persons of all ages, sometimes in long rows stretching 
entirely across the fields, employed in this industry. The statement of 
business men in these towns was that " anybody wanting work here 
can get it," and the result is that there is not a family of those depend- 
ing upon daily labor but what has several members receiving weekly 
wages. There are probably more people here with savings bank 
accounts than in any other place of the same size. On Saturday after- 
noons and evenings the people appear on the streets well dressed, 
looking happy and contented, showing in every way the eflects of 
prosperous conditions. 

THE WORK OF .THE EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 

Justice would hardly be done to a full statement of our observations 
if attention was not called especially to the great work being performed 
by the agricultural experiment stations of the United States along this 
and many other lines in which the agriculturist and business man are 
interested. To test a State's condition thoroughly with reference to 
its capacity for growing sugar beets requires a great deal of labor at 
these stations, and in most of the States the station stafts are thor- 
oughly^ alive to the importance of demonstrating the possibilities of the 
beet-sugar industry. They are sifting the matter to the bottom, not 
only in arranging for growing the beets all over their respective States, 
but in making a study of the soils, both by chemical and mechanical 
analyses, as well as the climatic and moisture conditions. They are 
also gathering data with reference to the facilities and opportunities of 
the States for operating factories. There is no doubt that these sta- 
tions are doing a wonderful work in the United States. The results of 
this work, however, are coming on so gradually that most of us do not 
appreciate them until we are brought to realize them by comparing the 
past with the changes in many directions that have taken place in 
recent years. In analyzing the cause which has brought these changes 
about, the experiment stations will be found to be the strong factors at 
work. We are attracting the attention of those nations which have 
been supposed to stand first in the application of science to their 
industries, and foreigners are coming to us to make a study of our 
experiment-station work. The relation between the farmer and these 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 185 

stations is becoming more pronounced, and they are gradually getting 
nearer to each other. The stations are becoming more practical and 
the farmer becoming more scientific. 

ORGANIZED EFFORT. 

In connection with what has been stated with reference to some 
defects of experimenting in a general way, such as have characterized 
the earlier stages of the experiments in raising sugar beets, mention 
will be made of some of the conditions under which the best experi- 
ments were being conducted. A great many sections have formed 
county and local associations for handling this work in an organized 
way. Some of them have gone so far as to raise the money preparatory 
to starting a factory in case the conditions of the locality are such as 
to justify it. Many of these organizations have exercised more or less 
supervision over the growing of the sugar beets in their localities, have 
held ineetings where subjects pertaining to the industry, as well as 
methods of cultivation and other matters of interest, have been dis- 
cussed. Other localities were not satisfied with a general supervision, 
or felt that the responsibilities and the inducements were such as to 
warrant them in going to more or less expense in getting before their 
own citizens and the public generally as comj^lete and reliable data as 
possible. In these localities a fund has been raised and an experienced 
man secured from the factory districts, one thoroughly posted on the 
sugar beet and its methods of cultivation. Such a man has been placed 
in charge of the various plats, so that from his supervision he is able 
to give accurate data relative to the beets grown, the methods of culti-' 
vation, time of planting and harvesting, the tonnage per acre, quality 
of beets, moisture precipitation, amount of heat, etc. Such a report 
as this will not only demonstrate accurately the results obtained, but 
will give an idea whether the results secured were obtained under nor- 
mal conditions, and whether or not they are liable to be permanent 
results. With such knowledge* as this, those interested in a locality 
are prepared to meet the capitalist, and, with an intelligent showing of 
facts, conclusions are soon arrived at as to whether it is advisable to 
furnish the money necessary to operate a factory in that locality. If 
the conditions will not justify the establishment of a factory, the people 
are prepared to drop the further consideration of the question and give 
their attention to something else. Our view of the case is that this is 
the true method, and that it should be the aim of the experiment sta- 
tions, and those interested in demonstrating the conditions for the beet- 
sugar industry, to cooperate strongly in encouraging in every way pos- 
sible such organization. It will lead to accurate information and will 
be educational in the dissemination of knowledge regarding methods 
and requirements demanded by this industry. 

V 



186 beet-sugar industry in the united states. 

General Suggestions for Raising Sugar Beets. 

Long experience in the cultivation of the sugar beets has furnished 
certain rules which are general in their application and which govern 
the j^reparation of the soil, seeding, thinning, and cultivating the beet 
plants. There are other rules which are applicable according to the 
conditions that obtain in certain cases. We will give below some gen- 
eral requirements and suggest some others that have local application. 
Reasons for the requirements or rules are also given in some instances. 

SOIL AND PREPARATION OF THE SEED EED. 

There are many kinds of soil in which the sugar beet will thrive. It 
must, however, be a soil that is inclined to be loose and friable, and 
without a tendency to become packed and hard. The sugar beet has a 
tendency to send down its taproot a good distance when compared 
with some other plants. In order to produce a beet of right form and 
pure throughout, the soil must be such as will permit the beet to do 
this, and also permit it to embed itself wholly therein. If this is not the 
case, the tendency of the beet is to " sprangle" out, which it should not 
do. It should have a single taproot, which tapers off in a long thread- 
like appendage, striking down deep into the soil. It should grow under 
the soil as much as possible and the top portion should not stick out 
above the surface, because this will not only be deleterious to the whole 
beet, but will make it necessary to cut off that portion which projects 
above the ground before the beet is sent to the factory, causing that 
much loss to the grower. This suggests a reason for the deep plowing, 
followed by subsoiling, demanded in the case. The soil should be usu- 
ally plowed about 8 inches deep, followed with a subsoiler that loosens 
to the extent of 7 inches more. Then it should be harrowed back and 
forth until it becomes thoroughly pulverized and softened. Here we 
have a condition that is necessary to germinate the seed and assure 
ourselves of a stand of beets. If seeds are sown in ground where the 
surface is inclined to be lumpy and cloddy, even if the lumps are quite 
small, the effect will be as follows: The seed are sown from a half inch 
to an inch in depth, and it will be remembered that the beet seed have 
a rough, dry husk with convolutions on the exterior, making it quite 
rough on the outside, with small depressions, so that they must be 
planted in a soil that is soft, for the purpose of having it press against 
the sides of the seed, filling up these little depressions in order that 
the capillary attraction may bring the moisture from the soil (o be 
absorbed by the seed, and thus induce germination. On the other 
hand, if the soil is cloddy in the least these small clods are inclined .^o 
keep little air channels around the seed, through which the dry air 
circulates and dries out the seed, which finally dies, and thus our 
opportunity for securing a good stand is diminished, as well as the 
chance of securing a strong and healthy plant at the outset, so that 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 187 

one condition requisite is a liigLly pulverized soil. It is usually the 
practice, in stirring up the ground preparatory to planting sugar-beet 
seed, to do the first plowing in the fall. The subsoiling is also done at 
this time. In the colder regions we thus have the benefit of the effects 
of freezing and thawing, which crumbles and pulverizes the soil, of 
which most farmers are aware. In the spring the ground is plowed 
again with a shallow stirring X)low or a good cultivator, and this is 
followed by harrowing, etc., to prepare the surface. In the sugar-beet 
districts of California it is the rule for the farmers to do the larger 
part of their cultivating in the early spring. In fact, they aim to kill 
all the weeds they would have to contend against before the seeds are 
planted. The conditions there at this season are more advantageous 
for this purpose than in most other sections, because the winter rains 
and early germination bring the grass and weed seed out, and then the 
ground is cultivated and the weeds killed. Another crop of weeds is 
then allowed to germinate, when the ground is cross cultivated for the 
further killing of weeds. This destroys weeds and helps to get the soil 
in condition for planting. After planting there are no further rains, 
and of course there are no such opportunities for weeds to grow as 
there are in States where there are rain conditions. We have, how- 
ever, found sugar-beet growers following this method of killing weeds 
to some extent and to good effect even in the Mississippi Valley, where 
weeds grow luxuriantly during the growing season of the beets. 

PLANTING. 

Under this and other heads we will consider implements that are 
used for the purpose in growing sugar beets, the depth of sowing the 
seed, the distance of the rows apart, the distance apart of the plants 
in the rows, and the amount and kind of seeds, etc. 

Special implements or drills are used for the purpose of sowing 
sugar-beet seed. Some of these implements have special arrange- 
ments for sowing the seeds in ridges and others for planting them on 
level ground, the latter being more usually the case in this country. 
There are places in the United States where the conditions will permit 
planting beet seed in ridges, and these ridges are maintained through- 
out the cultivation with apparent advantage to the beet, in that it 
allows more readily the action of the air and sun; but we believe 
this planting is not considered good i)ractice in most of the present 
sugar-beet regions. Where seed are to be sown on a large scale it is 
preferable, and at least more economical of time, to use the four-row 
seeder, which can be regulated almost to precision for sowing a definite 
number of pounds of seed to the acre. We find that the best practice 
in this country is to sow from 15 to 20 pounds per acre, with a leaning 
toward the latter amount. It is better to be a little out of pocket on 
account of seed wasted than a good deal out on tlie amount of beets 
grown, as well in the quality of the same, owing to a poor stand. 



188 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

PLANTING AND CULTIVATING IMPLEMENTS. 

The companies tliat make a specialty of implements for the cultiva- 
tion of sugar beets have what they call a "full set of tools." In a case 
where the four-row seeder is used, a four-row cultivator is a part of the 
set. This is desirable, from the fact that the cultivator follows the 
same four rows and in the same order that the seeder planted them, so 
that if there is any variation in the rows planted from a straight line 
the same variation will occur in each of the four rows being cultivated. 
The person who is holding the cultivator handles and following it has 
only to watch one row, and if it becomes necessary to shift the imple- 
ment to one side or the other, on account of a variation in that row, the 
same will be true of the other three rows. The implement companies 
have also a set of two row implements. that operate in the same way. 
The cultiv^ators used in this country are usually drawn by one horse or 
mule, and we found that most of those who have had experience with 
both animals prefer the mule for this purpose. This preference has 
often been expressed to us. It is claimed that the mule is more com- 
pact for the same amount of power, and having smaller feet, when the 
width between the rows is narrow, say 14 inches, he is not so liable to 
injure the beet plants. It is claimed that the mule is more susceptible 
to training in this particular line of work, especially in following the 
rows faithfully. He needs less attention from the i^erson holding the 
handles of the cultivator, who thus has more time to devote to culti- 
vation. This one mule or horse is all that is needed to pull the 
cultivator, taking four rows at a time. The first cultivation is accom- 
plished with small plows or knives attached to the cultivator, called 
''goose feet," '' because they resemble very much the form, shape, and 
size of a goose's foot. The edge of the knife runs within 1^ inches to 
2 inches of the beet, a knife running on each side of the beet plants in 
each of the four rows, the side next to the beet i)resenting a square 
surface. The cutting part, or rim, of the feet run from one-half to an 
inch below the surftice, and parallel with it. It is thus seen that it is 
not the intention to stir the soil to any depth, but simply to run the 
knives under the surface for the purpose of cutting off the roots of 
the weeds and grasses and breaking up the crust of the soil. This is 
the usual practice in the earlier stages of cultivation. Later it is 
usual to replace the "goose-feet" knives with "bull-tongue" cultivator 
blades, so named from their similarity in form to a tongue. These cul- 
tivate down 3 to G inches. After the seeds are planted it is usual to 
roll the ground, and by this means compress the soft dirt thoroughly 
around the shell of the beet seed, as has been suggested. This prac- 
tice serves well to accomplish this purpose except in localities where it 
is found to be undesirable to retain this smoothly rolled surface, when 
it is sometimes "roughened uj)," to prevent evaporation, by the aid of a 
harrow. This is done because the soil is quite sandy and the prevail- 
ing winds are very strong in the spring, so that where the ground is 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 189 

very level the wind carries along with, it, sliding over tliis smoothly 
rolled surface, small jiarticles of sharp sand, which strike the sugar- 
beet plants, cutting them ofi" even with the surface. This is very dam- 
aging to the croj). 

WIDTH OF ROWS. 

The rows are generally made from 14 to 18 inches apart, sometimes as 
many as 21 inches, and the jjlants should stand in rows, from G to 10 
inches apart. These distances in both cases are governed largely by 
the character and responsiveness of the soil, it being evident that some 
soils require closer planting than others. We wish to call especial 
attention right here to the distances governing the separation of rows 
and i^lants, because it is a governing principle, and no farmer can aftbrd 
to violate the directions in this case. We have shown elsewhere in this 
report that there is a tendency on the part of the uninitiated to do this 
differently for various reasons. They look upon it as a hard task to 
cultivate the beets so close together, etc., but no one who understands 
the nature of the sugar beet and feels a responsibility in the success of 
his crop will allow himself to violate the iirincijjle governing the proper 
spacing of rows and i)lants. Long experience with growing sugar 
beets for factory purposes has demonstrated that the space occupied by 
the beet in the field from which it draws its sustenance must be limited. 
If allowed too much space it becomes coarse in texture and quality. 
The sugar beet not only sends down a long taproot but it has numerous 
lateral roots which will, if allowed, reach out several feet in different 
directions, and if this latter effort is not arrested it is liable to assimi- 
late too much of those elements which are recognized in the laboratory 
and in the factory as impurities. This is prevented by spacing the 
beets as closely together as is j)racticable, and, as suggested above, in 
limiting the distance between the rows and the plants in the rows. The 
writer once called a prominent horticulturalist's attention to the prac- 
tice of some farmers of driving nails into the limbs of their apple trees, 
or wrapping them with wire, or in some other way injuring them to a 
certain extent, in order to make the tree bear. In reply (while he did 
not commend it) he gave as a reason for this i)ractice that "it makes 
them bear fruit the next year," which, of course, we observed to be the 
case. On asking him what he thought was the governing principle 
that brought this about, he stated: "You arrest the growth of the tree, 
and it has to exert its energies in another direction, which it does by 
storing up materials for a fruit supply and starting fruit buds." Now, 
if we apply this principle to a sugar beet which has been wasting its 
energies in the direction of growth, etc., we may be able to discover the 
philosophy of this governing principle of spacing. It gives us a beet 
of the proper size and texture, which we must keep in mind is from 1 
to 2 pounds, the ideal we are striving for. 



190 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

THINNIN& AND BUNCHINa. 

It is customary, as soon as the beet plauts get through the ground so 
that the rows can be readily discerned, to go over the field once with 
the cultivator with the " goose-feet " knives attached. This catches the 
first weeds in their early stages, breaks up the hard surface, and per- 
mits bunching and thinning to better advantage. Bunching is resorted 
to to save time and labor. A x>erson goes along the rows, and with a 
sharp hoe cuts out the surplus plants in the row, leaving the plants in 
bunches from 6 to 10 inches apart, according as may be desired. This 
is followed by the person who does the thinning, who crawls along the 
rows on his hands and knees, and, selecting the most thrifty plant in a 
bunch, takes it between the first two fingers, with the back of the hand 
toward the ground ; then with a quick movement of the fingers of the 
other hand he grasjjs the surplus plants and removes them from the 
soil. This is one of the most laborious features of sugar-beet raising. 
It can be done by girls and boys from 12 to 16 years old, who are very 
active in the work. In fact, this kind of labor can be used to a great 
extent all through the various stages of the cultivation of the beet. 
We have known farmers in their earlier experience with raising sugar 
beets who looked upon this thinning out as a great waste of seed, and 
would try the experiment of planting less seed the next year. This 
experiment usually ended in disaster, especially if the conditions for 
germinating the seed happened to be not very favorable, and it is not 
customary for the farmer to repeat this experiment very often. 

THE TIME FOR THINNING. 

It is a very serious mistake to allow the plants to become too large 
before they are thinned, and we noticed that the agriculturists at the 
different factories were x)articular on this j)oint when scanning the work 
of the farmers who were growing beets for the factories. There is a 
tendency of the plants, where they are grown close together, to twine 
around each other, and the principle to be observed in thinning beets 
is to remove the surplus i)lants, leaving the plant that is to mature intact 
in the soil, disturbing its roots as little as possible. If other plants 
are twined about the one that is to remain in the soil, the larger these 
entwining plants become the more the entwined plant is disturbed in 
thinning. The beet plants send out their laterals very rapidly, and in 
thinning out the surplus plants these roots are liable to be more or less 
disturbed. The larger the beet that is to remain in the soil the more 
likelihood there is of its being disturbed, so that this thinning process 
must not be neglected. The beet plants that are to remain can be set 
back three weeks in this way, and in a dry season a number of the 
plants are likely to be killed, thus affecting the " stand." 



BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 191 

CULTIVATION. 

We have said considerable about cultivation in discussing the " Soil 
and preparation of the seed bed,*' as well as in describing the imple- 
ments used in cultivation, and we wish to state now that harrowing is to 
be very strongly recommended in the cultivation of sugar beets. Three 
things must be kept in view in this cultivation : First, the beets must 
be kept absolutely free from weeds and grasses, so that the beneficial 
effects of the sun and air maybe fully realized ; second, the ground 
must be kept loose for the same purpose; third, in case of dry weather 
the soil must be kept stirred, in order that a dust mulch may be sus- 
tained to prevent evaporation of moisture. Frequent hoeing by hand 
is highly beneficial to the croj). 

HARVESTING. 

The time of harvesting is governed by the time of the ripening of the 
beets. This riijening is made apparent by the outside leaves of the 
plant taking on a yellowish tinge and drooping to the ground. An 
experienced eye soon learns to detect a field of ripe beets that is ready 
for harvesting, the whole field being colored to this yellow tint and 
the leaves showing this drooping tendency peculiar to the matured plant. 
The beets have now finished their work, and the next step of the 
grower must be governed by his locality. If he is in a locality where 
there is a probability of rain, the beets must be harvested and placed 
in silos. This would be the case in most of the sections where rain 
conditions prevail, such places usually having strong rains in Septem- 
ber and October, followed by more or less warm days. The effect of 
the rain will be to cause the beets to begin growing again and new 
leaves will soon be noticed starting out, as well as new lateral roots 
from the beet in the soil, all the beets showing a general tendency to a 
second growth. Serious damage to the crop will soon be done in this 
way. The sugar content of the beet goes down materially and its 
impurities increase, so that if the rains are marked and followed by 
warm days, it is possible for a whole crop to be lost, so far as their 
fitness for factory purposes is concerned. 

SILOS. 

It is the custom in localities of this kind to haul the beets to the fac- 
tory if possible, and if it is not x)ossible to do this they are gathered 
and placed in long ricks or piles on the surface of the ground. The 
base of these ricks or piles is from 3 to 3 J feet, with a height of 3 to 4 
feet, tapering toward the top. Along each side of these ricks several 
furrows are run with a stirring plow in order to loosen the dirt. The 
ricks are then completely covered with this dirt by the aid of shovels. 
This covering is put on to the depth of about 6 inches, occasionally air 
spaces or ventilators being left on the tops of the ricks, which are usu- 
ally made by the use of tiling or small elongated wooden boxes or 



192 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

simply straw, the purpose being- to prevent fermentation. Storing the 
beets in this way is called siloing, and the ricks or piles are called silos. 
These silos are closely watched, in order that no heating may occur and 
cause fermentation, which lessens the sugar content of the beet, and 
they are opened occasionally for this purpose. It is the aim of the 
grower, as already stated, to get his beets to the factory as soon as 
possible, but this will depend on "his turn." In case he is delayed in 
this way until cold weather comes on, these silos are covered with straw 
manure, straw, or something of that sort, and then an additional amount 
of dirt is thrown on the straw covering. In this way it has been found 
that the beets will keep in very good condition until the last of January, 
if necessary. 

It might be stated in this connection that it does not necessarily fol- 
low that the beets are lost even if they should be frozen solid, as the 
factories can readily work them frozen ; and, in fact, some factory super- 
intendents have told us that they prefer to work frozen beets. The one 
thing to be guarded against in the case of frozen beets is that they 
must not be allowed to freeze and then thaw. In California, where 
rains or freezing are not liable to occur, after the beets have ripened 
and have gone into this state of rest they are allowed to remain in the 
field until the grower is notified by the factory that his beets must be 
delivered, when they are harvested and taken to the factory. Thus 
the exi)ense of siloing is avoided. 

HARVESTINa IMPLEMENTS. 

Harvesting is accomplished by means of an implement especially 
prepared for the purpose. We have seen several kinds of these imple- 
ments, all of which seemed to do the work admirably. In some places 
it is done by means of a long slender plow, which Avorks on the principle 
of the stirring plow. It goes deep down into the ground with a sharp 
plowshare. This plow is run close to the beet in such a way that the 
share cuts the taj)root just below the enlargement of the beet, at the 
same time loosening, lifting, and laying it on its side. Another har- 
vester, instead of having a share, has two prongs, one of which passes 
on either side of the lower portion of the beet root; the space in front 
between the two prongs being larger than that in the rear, causes the 
beet root to be forced into the smaller space between these prongs as 
they pass by, and the beet is lifted bodily 3 or 4 inches and the tap- 
root broken. As the plow i)asses on the beet drops back into its place 
loosened and ready to be lifted from the ground by the hand. Follow- 
ing the plow are persons who pick up these beets and by one stroke with 
a large knife made for the purpose sei)arate the crown of the beet 
together with the leaves. This is called " topping," and it is the aim 
of the person doing this " topping" to make the cut where the line of 
the beet shows that portion has projected above the ground. Where 
the beet has been grown entirely under the ground only enough is cut 



BEET -SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STA.TES. 193 

off to carry with it tlic crown and tbe leaves. If the beets are to be 
sent to the factory at once, the " topper " simply throws them in piles, 
from which they are taken and placed in s;icks and put in wagons for 
delivery to the factory. They are s jmetimes thrown loosly into the 
wagons from the piles. Most of the factories, however, luive arrange- 
ments for qnickly handling the beets. Some of them have wagons pro- 
vided with nets for receiving the beets, and upon reaching the factory 
these nets are taken from the wagons by the aid of machinery, and their 
contents dumped into the beet sheds. At other factories the wagons 
are hauled upon an elevated driveway, which is arranged i-u such man- 
ner that the portion on which the wagon rests can be tipped, and the 
wagon tipping at the same time, the load of beets is precipitated into 
the beet sheds. By either of the above methods the beets in the 
wagons are very quickly handled at the factory, and the advantages 
of these arrangements can be appreciated when it is known that long- 
lines of wagons, loaded with sugar beets, stand ready at the factory to 
be handled. Either of these arrangements quickly dispose of many 
wagon loads, and teams are not required to w^ait long, as would be the 
case if unloaded in the ordinary way of shoveling out of the wagons 
into the shed. 

IRRIGATION. 

It has been stated that beets can be grown successfully under irriga- 
tion conditions, and in fact two factories in the United States, one 
located at Lehi, Utah, and the other at Eddy, in the Pecos Valley, 
New Mexico, secure their beets entirely through irrigation. There is a 
large amount of land in this country available for this purpose in 
Western Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and other 
States having like conditions; and this industry is one that should 
appeal to these sections on account of their already well-known grazing 
resources and the fact that stock feeding and dairying are so intimately 
related to the beet-sugar industry. The first beets that were over suc- 
cessfully raised by irrigation for factory purposes were grown at Lehi, 
Utah. We believe that it is maintained in Europe that beets can not 
be successfully grown by irrigation — at least it is seriously questioned — 
but the experience at Lehi, Utah, and Eddy, N. Mex., has forever 
exploded this theory. There are a few things that must yet be learned 
about the application of irrigation to growing sugar beets, but these 
obstacles are fast being overcome, and the two factories mentioned are 
teaching the world lessons along this line, and in doing this are demon- 
strating the possibilities of the vast resources of the territory in the 
West having like conditions. Irrigation is especially adapted to rais- 
ing sugar beets where the particular region is favored with rainfall in 
the earlier stages of planting time. The ground is moistened through 
rains, and in this way the seeds are germinated and sttirted on their 
first growth. Experience has demonstrated that irrigation should be 
H. Doc. 390 13 



194 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

held off as long- as possible and applied as little as possible. Water 
should not be applied by irrigation until the natural supply has failed, 
and even then the grower must be careful not to apply too much. Too 
much is as disastrous as not enough. We have learned by talking 
with those experienced in the application of water by irrigation of the 
tendency of the land to dry out quickly after being irrigated and of the 
ground to become packed, so that cultivation must follo\y as soon as 
practicable after irrigation. It has been noticed that the beet has a 
tendency to send down its taproot deep into the soil, and especially is 
this true in the earlier stages, if the necessities of tbe case demand it 
in order to procure moisture; and this is to be desired. If water is 
applied too lavishly in the beginning this tendency of the beet is arrested, 
and it shows a disposition to rely on artificial supply of water rather 
than to seek its own, and we have thus interfered with a natural tend- 
ency that is desirable in the growth and maturity of the beet. The 
effect will be, under these circumstances, that the taproot will divide 
and the beets will become bunchy and sprangle out, assuming a form 
entirely undesirable. The beet may show a tendency to slightly droop 
its leaves and to become lighter in color, but this does not indicate that 
irrigation is needed. If the beet recovers its vigor in the evening it is 
a sufficient indication that it is getting along all right. When it comes 
to suffer from drought the tendency will be to droop and get darker in 
color, and it will not apparently recover vigor witli the approach of the 
cool of evening. This is the time to consider the question of applying 
irrigation. 

We have noticed two methods of irrigating beets, either of which 
seems to accomplish the work successfully. One of them is to plant 
the beet in rows, say, Irom 18 to 20 inches apart, and then when it is 
desirable to turn. on the water, a small furrow is run between every 
other row by the use of an implement made for this purpose. Tlie 
water is then turned on and allowed to trickle down these furrows. 
This causes the water to pass down on one side of every row in the 
field, and leaves the space between every other row that is not so fur- 
rowed. When it becomes necessary to apply water again a furrow is 
made between the rows not furrowed before, the former furrow having 
been leveled up by cultivation. The second plan is to plant the first 
two rows the usual widtli apart, say, from 14 to 20 inches, and then 
the next space between the other two rows will be considerably wider, 
say up to 26 inches apart. This wider space is entirely .for the purpose 
of having an irrigating furrow, which is made in similar manner to the 
one described above, the wider space occurring between every couplet 
of rows. In either case water can be held in these farrows by throwing 
a shovelful or two of dirt into the furrow in front of the water until 
the ground becomes thoroughly saturated around the beets, and then 
the obstruction is removed and continued down the farrow. Of coarse 
the supply farrows are condacted along the higher places and the cross 
furrows arranged in such a way that all parts of the iield are reached. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 195 

This simply suggests that the grower in the application of water by- 
irrigation must thoroughly understand the science of economically dis- 
tributing the water in the field, which is a question too broad to be 
entered into here, but by experience the farmer becomes more or less 
adept. 

In regions where the beets are started in the spring with moisture 
from rainfall it is the aim of the grower to produce his crop with four 
or five irrigations of the beets. After they begin to ripen all irrigation 
must cease, for the same reason that it is not desirable to have a rain- 
fall after the beets are ripe. 

SUBIRRIGATION. 

Simply as an interesting observation of one of the wonderful provi- 
sions of nature, we will call attention to the moisture conditions under 
which beets are grown on the Pacific Coast. As has been stated, beets 
are grown there without the aid of either rainfall or irrigation. There 
seems to be some sort of mechanical provision of the soil for holding 
the -moisture precipitated during the winter, and gradually letting it 
out during the growing season of summer. This same condition 
prevails in the eastern part of Washington and in many sections of 
what might be called the arid regions, so far as the amount of rainfall 
is considered. In a trip made between Spokane and Pullman, two 
towns in eastern Washington, we saw some splendid fields of wheat, 
oats, and crops of like nature, but we wish to refer especially to the 
wheat, which both in quantity and quality was superior to anything 
we observed anywhere else in the United States. These fields of wheat 
were located on hills, which in some cases reached the magnitude of 
small mountains. All over the sides of these elevations and on top of 
them were growing these fields of wheat, that were yielding from 40 to 
60 bushels to the acre of fine quality, and, indeed, it was believed that 
on the top of the hills the crops were doing better than on the other 
portions, if possible. Now, the rainfall during the growing of these 
crops was hardly worth mentioning, and yet this wheat had grown, 
matured, and was harvested as described. We could not imagine for 
a moment that such crops could grow on such hills anywhere in the 
Mississippi Valley under any conditions with which we are acquainted. 
We think that these crops are due to the inherent tendency of the 
soil to retain and emit moisture. We believe that experts and scien- 
tists are unable satisfactorily to explain this phenomenon. We have 
called on some experts for an explanation, and they state that they are 
working on the problem, but so far are unable to solve it. One of these 
experts informed the writer that he had noticed a place where a second 
growth of tobacco and other succulent plants had occurred, and right 
in this spot an 80-foot well had been dug without the slightest show of 
water. Scarcely any rain had fallen in this locality since the early 
spring. We can only say that the moisture is there in the ground and 



196 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

is given out to the plants, as has been described in the case of the flne 
wheat crop. These peculiar conditions prevail over extensive sections 
in the western mountain regions, as well as in the part of Washington 
referred to, and along the coast of California. It is under such condi- 
tions as these that they grow sugar beets in California for the factory. 

BLIGHT IN BEETS. 

We noticed during the inspection last summer that in some sections, 
especially in the arid regions, where beets were raised by irrigation, 
that the beets were liable to be affected by disease or blight. This 
disease seemed to attack the taproot at a considerable distance under 
the surface and then gradually work up through the body of the beet, 
the lateral roots feeding the beet and keeping the leaves green during 
the progress of the disease. The diseased part would rot completely, 
and finally the whole beet would be consumed in tliis way, the disease 
generally completing its work when the beet was about two-thirds 
grown. After this the leaves would die, the disease having consumed 
the beet, and thus killed the lateral roots which had fed them, .A 
very sour odor could be detected during the prevalence of this disease. 
We are not prepared to say whether this blight is peculiar to irrigated 
beets or not, but we found this disease throughout the regions where 
the beets were grown by irrigation. We found irrigated fields, how- 
ever, where the crop was not affected in this way, and some fields where 
the beets were only slightly affected. If the disease is due to irriga- 
tion, the people who irrigate will have to tell us by experimenting with 
the disease how to overcome it. It seems that the trouble was caused 
by intensely hot weather and irrigation together, and it occurred to the 
writer that if the colder days and nights were selected for the time of 
irrigation as far as possible, it would be better for the beets. On this 
point Mr. Cutter, of Lehi, says : " Irrigation has nothing at all to do 
with the blight of root on the part of beets. There has been blight of 
beets in several localities this year, whether irrigated or not. It is 
simply a secondary consideration; the primary cause being the lack 
of moisture." 

CONDITIONS IN THE SPRING OP 1897. 

In the Mississippi Valley the ground was too wet for the early jilant- 
ing of the sugar-beet seed, hence the planting was delayed and the 
spring season of 1897 was unfavorable. In northern Iowa, South 
Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin unusually late frosts occurred, 
which affected the beets. We believe the spring was quite favorable 
in iSTebraska for the growth of the beets. Throughout Colorado, Utah, 
and the coast region there was an unusual drought at the time when 
the seeds should have been planted, and the conditions were quite 
unfavorable for the raising of a crop. Cutworms very luaterially 
attected the young plants in South Dakota, and in the northern section 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 197 

of New Mexico insects attacked to an alarming extent the sugar beets 
being grown for the factory at Eddy, in that Territory. It might be 
stated, therefore, in a general way, that the year of 1897 was not a very 
favorable one for the sugar-beet crop. 

VALUE OF CROP. 

We have considered the question of raising sugar beets, the different 
methods applied in cultivation, and the agricultural problems to be 
worked out in connection therewith. We will now consider the value of 
the crop. 

The worth of a crop of beets to the farmer will be different in differ- 
ent localities. In order to encourage the growing of sugar beets some 
of the States have offered a bounty, say $1 per ton, or so much for 
every ton of sugar produced. In some cases the bounty is to go to the 
farmer, and in other cases it goes to the factory, with the condition that 
the factory will pay the farmer a certain price for the beets. The usual 
price of beets outside of this government encouragement is $4 per ton — 
that is, where the beets are purchased straight without reference to 
their purity or sugar content, except that they be standard. It is usual 
for the factory to establish a standard to which all beets that are deliv- 
ered must come, and before they are received the beets are tested for 
this purj)ose. This standard usually requires that the beet shall con- 
tain 12 per cent of sugar and show a purity coefficient of 80 per cent. 
Beets lower than this standard are rejected or docked. Some other 
factories purchase beets from the farmer and pay for them according to 
the amount of sugar contained. Such factories usually fix 12 j)er cent of 
sugar as the basis upon which they will pay, say $3.25 to $3.50 per ton, 
increasing the price 25 cents for each additional 1 per cent of sugar 
shown in the beet. For instance, if $3.60 was the price for standard 
12 per cent beets per ton, and beets should be delivered that showed 14 
per cent sugar, the farmer would be paid $4 per ton, and for beets 
showing 15 per cent he would receive $4.25. 

The amount of beets that can be grown per acre will depend largely, 
like other crops, on the stand and responsiveness of the soil, as well as 
the cultivation the crop has received and the favorableness of the sea- 
son during the growing time. It is difficult to state accurately what 
the average tonnage per acre should be. As stated, this varies for 
different localities and different seasons. It would be safe, however, to 
put the average crop at from 10 to 14 tons of beets per acre, and the 
maximum and minimum at 30 and G tons. A great many estimates 
have been made as to the cost and profit of growing sugar beets. 
These, again, will vary in different localities and seasons, as well as for 
different people. Some ])ersons will not accomplish tbe same results 
with the same amount of effort that others will. In this connection, 
two estimates, one for beets grown for the factory at Lehi, Utah, 
made by the factory superintendent, Mr. Granger, and the other for 



198 BEET-SUGAB EfDUSTRT IX THE FXITED STATKSb 

beets grown for the factory at Norfolk, ^ebr^ are presented. The 
following is Mj. Grangers sraremeut. and the writer. si>eakiDg from 
personal acquaintance, presents the ngnres as entirely tmsTworthy: 

The fignrcB girea below are not theoTetieaL bnt represoit Um aetaal cost pez- aoe 
of the -vroik vitii wages at $3.50 to f3 per dav for man and team; $1.25 to $1.50 per 
day for nan, and 50 cents to$l per day for boy^^ 

Fall plowing. 12 inches deep $2.75 

Pnlreriiin^ in spring - — LOO 

Boiling 25 

Planting - 35 

Fifteen ponnds of seed, at 18 cents 2.70 

KoIIrDg previous to thinning - 25 

CnltiT3ting previon? to thinning - 50 

numing - 4.50 

HoeiBS alter thmntng 2.00 

Fnzrowing ont for inigatioa twice, at 25 cents 50 

Irrigating twice, at 40 cents tO 

Cnltivating after irrigation twice, at 50 cents 1.00 

Plowing beets oat at harvest time 1-50 

Polling beets after plow 2.00 

Topping 13 tons, at 35 cents - 4. .55 

Sacking and hauling 13 tons (Smiles), at 65 cents tf-lo 

Total eipenses - 33.10 

Yield. 13 tons, at $4 (this price paid at Lehi; 52. w> 

Xet profit per acre IS.VO 

The above fignrcs may, in some instances, be subject to slight changes, bat is tlte 
aggregate they are eoriect. 

The very conserratiTe estnaafee of only 13 tms per aeie is used bere ■exety to show 
what size crop can be made to pay welL 

By figuring on a yield of from 18 to 35 tana per acre — ^which is not at all extrava- 
gant — the possibilities of the crop may easily be recognized. 

A great nnmbo^ of fxaxMSts who raise beets for the Utah Sngar Company m^e a 
net profit of frun $30 to $50 -per aoe, after allowing themselves and faoiOy fhll 
wages for all w(xk done ob tike cropu 

The following is a statement of expense and net rettirns firom 41^ 
acres of sugar beets grown at Council Bluffs. Iowa, by H. C. Graves & 
Sons, and shipped and delivered to the Norfolk Beet Sugar Company, 
at Norfolk, ^ebr. : 

Stmiemeui •/ eiprsar. 

cast. aa«. 

i 

PrnKiBsmaczes ««.«• $L» 

Bat^E^aadAinii^pbatB 15il» it» 

TTrriiatm- hr h«^ 3a-«* : -W 

— '^'\r^attt I le-W ' s.s» 



Cattrradag we^lr £<>r six weeks 137.S5 i.3i 



jadtappogbykud 2K-'» «■» 

^i^rtoe^rr^... 2SS.SS Cl» 

Se3l^ -!!-. 1*^» XU 

Marki^Ky SS-'S -« 

TMd 1.3»aL» 31-33 

Fragktto5«^Uk.Xctr..«aT17JTtMB,at$lJ5 9erna aW-H 

Total M«« of crop Ud dovm ia SozMk 2.19S.n 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. l99 

Statement of ret to- )is from beets. 

$5 per ton for 654.1 tons $3,270.50 

Allowance received and for tops for cattle feed 229. 67 

Rebate to ua on shu'inkage iu shipment 24.00 

Total receipts 3, 524. 17 

Cost 2,196.71 

Jfet profit for nse of land 1 , 327. 46 

This gives $31.98 per acre for use of ground. Total acreage, 4U; total tonnage, 
654.10; average tonnage to acre, 15f ; average tare, 8.83 iier cent; average sugar 
content, 14.39 jier cent; highest purity, 84.2 per cent; lowest sugar content, 11.8 
per cent; highest sugar content, 17.1 per cent. 

The following figures show net result if wo coulil have delivered to a factory at 
Council Bluffs and saved shipment to Norfolk: 

Gross weight of beets at this end before shipment 1, 513, 330 

Gross weight of beets at Norfolk after shipment 1, 435, 200 

Shrinkage in weight iu shipment, 5.2 per cent, or 78, 130 

Leaving a net loss to us in shrinkage in weight $171. 82 

"We paid in freight 896. 71 

Net loss to ns because of having to ship beets 1, 068. 53 

Net profit as shown above after shipment 1, 327. 46 

2, 395. 99 

Showing that we could have made $2,395.99 if we could have delivered to a Council 
Blufl's beet-sugar factory. This would have been a profit of $57.73 per acre. 

A sugar manufactory at Council Bluffs having a capacity of 300 tons of beets per 
day will produce almost 6,000,000 pounds of sugar in a season. It Avill pay to the 
farmers for beets, at $4 per ton, $112,000. It will give employment to 150 men in the 
factory, in additio.n to 500 or 600 men, women, and children in the beet fields. 

Beets grown here this season tested as high as 17.1 per cent, and averaged almost 
15 per cent, which is fully 5 per cent above requirements of Gei man beet-sugar manu- 
factories. There are many thousands of acres of land adjacent to Council Bluffs 
fully as well adapted to sugar-beet raising. 

[Note. — The amount received for the beets is too large, according to present 
prices, which are about $4 per ton. The above parties received $5 per ton on account 
of the State bounty of $1 per ton paid at that time, so $1 per ton should be deducted. 
Attention is also called to the hea^y freight charges iu the above statement, which 
are due to the tact that the beets were hauled to the cars and shipped nearly 100 
miles. The item of '• hauling to cars" is equivalent to the delivery to the factory. — 
C. F. S.] 

BEET SEED. 

The question of buying beet seed is one of considerable importance. 
There is a disposition on the part of the people to be dissatisfied with 
the custom of importino- the larger portion of our seeds. The feeling 
seems to prevail generally that these beet seeds can easily be, and' 
shonld be, grown in this country. This is a spirit to be commended, 
but when it is understood that the growing of sugar-beet seed is one 
of the most intricate features of the whole enterprise, retiuiring a large 
investment of capital and the application of considerable scientific 
knowledge, it will be readily seen that it will be some years before the 
United States will have fully established a safe and reputable sugar- 
beet seed production. These seeds are not produced in the same 



200 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

manner as ordinary garden seeds, such as cabbage, turnip, lettuce, etc., 
simply by planting out the beets and harvesting the seeds at the end 
of the year. They are produced in a series of plantings, and, according 
to the best information, it takes five years to realize a crop of sugar-beet 
seed after the series has begun. The series is required in order to pro- 
duce seed of a high grade and sure quality, and is the result of testing 
and selection. The sugar content and quality of the beet is held up by 
this constant testing and selecting, and it is a matter of vital impor- 
tance. The sugar beet, as such, is of too recent origin to have its habits 
of sugar producing so thoroughly fixed tliat we can depend upon it. 
These are facts that we must be absolutely sure of, as they lie at the 
foundation of success in the sugar-beet enterprise. Under these cir- 
cumstances we must depend upon the old established and thoroughly 
equipped firms of Europe to produce our sugar-beet seed until such 
time as we can gradually and safely raise our own seed. There are 
undoubtedly firms in Europe which will, whenever they can, impose a 
poor quality of seed upon the American or any other j)urchaser. It 
becomes a matter of the greatest importance to the people in this 
country to be sure of the character of the firm from which they intend 
to j)urchase sugar-beet seed. Buyers sliould surround themselves with 
all possible safeguards in these transactions. In the first place they 
should understand thoroughly the responsibility of the firm, and in the 
nest place they should buy seeds in original packages when they pur- 
chase abroad, and should demand an official certificate showing a te^t 
of their quality, germinating power, etc. 

When these seeds are intended to be used in quantities, they should 
be thoroughly tested as to their germination upon arrival. Seeds can 
be imported wholesale into this country for about 9 cents per pound. 
We understand they have been bought recently for next year's use for 
something less than this. When we shall be able to safely produce our 
own seed, it will undoubtedly be to our advantage, as the tendency will 
be to build up, establish, and perpetuate the sugar-producing habits of 
the plant under our own climatic conditions. 

Factory Conditions. 

Conditions that would largely apply to the agriculturist or farmer 
in answering questions as to whether he was in j)osition to profitably 
grow sugar beets have been considered; but in considering the beet- 
sugar industry there is another side to the question, which might be 
called the factory side. It might be possible to grow successfully 
sugar beets, and yet the local conditions might not be favorable to 
operating a factory, and without a factory the farmer has no market 
for his beets. He could only use them as a food for stock. So we will 
consider some of the necessary factory conditions. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 201 

QUALITY OF BEETS. 

One of the first things that every factory will consider is the quality 
of beets grown in the locality that must supply the factory. As has 
been observed, the effectiveness of the process, the quality of the 
finished product, and the expense of operating the factory depend 
largely upon this point. The more impurities, or such elements as are 
recognized as impurities, contained in the beet, the more difficulties 
there are in extracting the sugar. It should therefore be the aim of 
everyone investing in a factory for the production of beet sugar in this 
country to require the best conditions in the matter of purity of beets 
as well as a tonnage that is remunerative and profitable both to the 
manufacturer and the farmer. It is along this line that the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture and the agricultural experiment stations in the 
several States are working industriously and earnestly in order to be 
able to offer reliable information to all concerned. 

PURE WATER. 

A factory requires large water facilities. For a factory having a 
capacity of 350 tons of sugar per day (which is considered about the 
minimum in this country for a factory working under favorable condi- 
tions) there should be a permanent supply of about 2,000,000 gallons of 
pure water a day. In the first place, water is used as a medium of con- 
veyance for bringing the beets from the beet sheds, which in many 
cases are several hundred feet away from the factory. These sheds are 
connected with the factory by canals about lA feet wide and 2 feet deep. 
The bottoms of the sheds are arranged on an inclined plane, so as to 
allow the beets to slide into the canal as they are needed. In some 
instances the beets are shoved into the canal by workmen. Sufficient 
water must be allowed to flow through these canals* to flood beets and 
to carry them to the receptacles in the factory arranged for receiving 
and washing them. The water performing the service of transporting 
the beets is permitted to pass through a grating into the sewer. Water 
is also extensively used all through the factory for steam power and 
other operations of the machinery and in the process of manufacture, 
and, since the work of the factory is largely for the purpose of elimi- 
nating impurities in the beets, the water used in these processes must 
be of such quality as will not increase these impurities, and thus add 
to the difficulties of the manufacturer. (See under "Lime and water 
for beet-sugar factory purposes," pp. 205-207.) 

FUEL. 

Fuel is another item that should be carefully considered as one of the 
conditions necessary in establishing a beet-sugar factory. In manu- 
facturing a ton of beets into sugar about 2 or 3 per cent of coke is 
required and 13 to 15 per cent of coal. The coke is required for burn- 
ing the limestone, and it may be used for i^roducing carbonic-acid gas, 



202 BEET-STJGAB INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

which is obtained by the combustion of coke and cliarcoal in ovens 
specially prepared for the purpose. It will readily be seen that fuel is 
a factor that is closely related to the matter of economy in a factory, 
since it is one of the heavy items of expense. In California crude 
petroleum is used to a large extent for fuel. This oil is found in the 
southern part of the State, and its use compares favorably, so far as 
economy is concerned, with coal in the districts whore the latter is 
mined. As fuel, it is well adapted to the factory work. It is cleaner and 
requires less labor to handle it. In these respects it makes up largely 
for what it lacks in cheapness. It has been claimed by some sections 
that in heavily wooded districts cheap wood can be used to advantage. 
We are not prepared to state as to the desirability of wood for fuel in this 
connection, but it would be well for those entertaining this view of the 
subject to investigate it thoroughly. The price of coke in the districts 
already manufacturing beet sugar, or beginning the work preliminary to 
doing so, ranges between $4 and $13. Some of the districts can supply 
coal to the factory of sufQcient quality for the purpose at 75 cents to |1.L'5 
per ton, and it costs in other districts already manufacturing, or intend- 
ing to do so, from $3 to $4 per ton. These differenc^es in prices of fuel, 
when considered in connection with other items of expense that enter into 
factory work, will be strong factors in the jnanufacture of beet sugar 
further along in the history of the industry in deciding the contest 
when competition becomes active. It should be the aim of every local- 
ity to study fully these points. 

LIMESTONE. 

It has been noticed before that the factory is a large consumer of 
limestone. This stone is burned in the factory in a specially arranged 
kiln. It is well understood that in the process of burning limestone 
carbonic-acid gas is driven ofl", and the object of burning the lime in 
the factory, instead of buying the ])rcpared lime, is for the i)urpose of 
securing tliis carbonic-acid gas, which is used in the i)rocess of manu- 
facturing the beet sugar as Avell as the burned lime. The burned lime 
is put into the juice, either in a jjowdered slate or as milk of lime, as 
the first process after the juice has been sufiiciently warmed. The 
object of this is to have the lime unite with the impurities in the juice 
both chemically and mechanically, and then by injecting the carbonic- 
acid gas, by bubbling it through the limed juice, a union of calcium 
and the carbonic-acid gas is effected. This forms calcium-carbonate, 
the substance originally started wdth in tlie limestone before burning. 
This carbonic acid gas, it will be remembered, was secured by burning 
limestone and then collected, after having been driven off, for the pur- 
pose stated. In this process is seen the nice adaptation and application 
of the principles of science, by which the crude stone is separated into 
its elements, one part placed in the juice of the beet to perform a cer- 
tain function and another part injected again, and after uniting the two 
in the process forming the original substance, which holds in its grasp 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 203 

the impurities that were contained in the beets. The whole is then 
removed from the juice by forcing the juice, under high pressure, through 
a very finely woven cloth called a filter. Now that we know the use for 
which this lime is required, the suggestion naturally follows that this 
limestone should be pure. It should not contain any of the elements 
which the sugar maker believes to be deleterious to the quality of his 
product. It should be a pure limestone, and since it is extensively 
used, it should be a cheap stone, and one that could be obtained near at 
hand. It is therefore necessary, in studying the conditions of a locality 
with a view to establishing therein a factory, that we should consider 
very carefully the quality and cheaijness of its limestone as well as its 
supply. (See under "Lime and water for beet-sugar factory purposes," 
pp. 205-207.) 

MARKETS. 

It naturally follows in any factory enterprise that a market is one of 
the conditions necessary to its success. In investigating the conditions 
necessary for establishing a factory it is requisite to have fully in mind 
its accessibility to trade centers; also whether the transportation facili- 
ties are suflBcient to permit it to compete with other localities more 
especially favored in these respects. We might mention as sections 
having ideal conditions of this kind the lower peninsula of Michigan, 
which has shown good conditions for raising beets and a disposition of 
the people to embark in the enterprise. The finished product in the 
factories here would be available for some of the best trade centers in 
the country, such as Detroit, Milwaukee, Chicago, etc., and it would 
have the benefit of transportation by water through the Great Lakes 
as well as by the network of railroads which extend in every direction. 
These insure cheap freight and offer facilities for shipping the product 
to market quickly. What is said of this locality might be equally true 
of Indiana, New York, and other localities having similar conditions. 
Localities taking upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining 
factories should study these facilities under the best conditions, because 
these are the questions that will meet them in competition on the 
market. 

ORIGINAL COST. 

It requires considerable money to build a factory, and as the original 
cost of improvements is the larger portion of the investment, we must 
include iu our estimates of the cost of production the interest upon the 
money so tied up. Tlie cost of building materials is also an item that 
demands careful consideration. It is one, however, upon which it is 
easy to make comparisons. 

PERMANENT AGRICULTURAL CONDITIONS. 

One must make a thorough investigation as to the general agricul- 
tural conditions of a locality when considering the establishment of a 
factory. It will be impossiblo to raise sugar beets continuously on the 



204 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

same tract of land, as is the case with other crops, and a locality is best 
suited to raising sugar beets as a permanent enterprise that can secure 
a series of rotation of crops. We have in mind a locality that is now 
raising sugar beets extensively for the fiictory that can not, it is claimed, 
successfully raise anything else, and experience is evidently showing, 
what all good agriculturists would predict, that the farmer there will 
come to grief before long. If something is not found to rotate with the 
sugar beet, where the sugar beet alone is grown, the result will be a 
lessening of the tonnage and purity of the beet. In considering the 
successful growing of sugar beets, we include not only the conditions 
that insure the permanency of the enterprise, but such a well-balanced 
series of rotation of crops as will readily restore the soil to its pro- 
ductiveness and make the permanency of the sugar beet jjossible. In 
the case of the sugar beet a large part of the work of its cultivation 
can not be accomplished by the aid of machinery. For instance, when 
the plants have reached the point that is called " putting out the fourth 
leaf," the beets must be " bunched and thinned." It will be recalled 
that the farmer is asked to sow from 15 to 20 pouuds of seed per acre; 
3 or 4 pounds would do the work, however, if he was absolutely sure 
that all the seed would grow. This larger number of pounds is used 
in order to be sure of a " stand," because a "stand" he must have. 
This places the beet seed in rows close to each other, say, touching 
each other, and it can be readily observed that all of the beets must 
not be allowed to grow. It therefore becomes necessary to '' thin out." 
This has been described under " Thinning and bunching," p. 190. 

The success of the crop after the bunching and thinning depends 
largely upon the thoroughness of cultivation — careful hoeing and weed- 
ing. The field must be kept clean and free from weeds, not only with 
the cultivator, but with the hoe and hand. So that another condition 
that affects the iiermanency of beet farming in a community is its 
ability to furnish the necessary labor. Large cities and towns are 
usually depended on for labor of this kind. Boys and girls, from 12 to 
16 years of age, on account of their suppleness and nimbleness, are 
employed for this purpose in many sections, and seem to stand the 
wear of the labor better than adults. It requires all the fortitude of a 
community in establishing a beet-sugar factory to meet the first shock 
when the revelation of the amount of labor to be performed in raising 
the beets first dawns upon them; it is so out of proportion with what 
is usually necessary in growing other crops. We do not wish to be 
understood as trying to unduly alarm any one in this tlirection, but 
think it is but fair that sufticient emphasis should be put upon the 
point in question, in order that it may be fully understood before such 
responsibilities are assumed. If we were to write the history of the 
beet-sugar enterprise in the United States, a large part would be 
devoted to a statement of the vexing and trying experiences of the 
manufacturer and the farmer in arriving at a solution of this labor 
problem. But our factories now in operation have met the difficulties, 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 205 

and through exi)erience our farmers have learned what is required in 
growing this crop. They have also learned that they can receive 
enough mouey for the crop to enii)loy sufficient labor to do the work, 
pay all other expenses, and still have a handsome profit. 

Lime and Water for Beet-sugar Factory Purposes. 

We have often been asked by organizations and others interested in 
the beet sugar industry, desiring to investigate closely the facilities and 
resources for this purpose, " What constitutes a good limestone and 
good water for beet-sugar factory purposes?" For the purpose of 
answering this question we quote the following papers from "A 
handbook for chemists of beet-sugar houses and seed-culture farms," 
prepared by Guilford L. Spencer, D. Sc, of the United States Depart- 
ment of Agriculture: 

SALTS IN SOLUTION AND THEIR EFFECT IN WATER USED IN SUGAR 

MANUFACTURE. 

The condensation waters from the multiple efl'eots, vacuum pans, etc., form an 
ahundant and very satisfactory supply of water for the boilers. 

The water for the diffusion battery should be as pure as possible and should con- 
tain a minimum amount of calcium and magnesium salts and of the salts mentioned 
below as melassigenic. The calcium and magnesium salts, notably the bicarbonates 
and the sulphate of calcium, foul the heating surface of the battery and evaporat- 
iug api^aratus. The bicarbonates decompose lo some extent in the diffusers and 
deposit the normal carbonates upou the cossettes and probably influence the diffusion 
unfavorably. Tho water should not contain more than 10 parts per 100,000 of cal- 
cium sulphate, otherwise incrustations may form at some stage of the concentration 
of the liquors. 

Pure water should also be used in slacking the lime, though for economy of sugar 
and in the evaporation certain wash waters containing sugar, etc., are used for this 
purpose. 

The most important melassigenic salts are suli>hates, alkaline carbonates, and 
nitrates. The chlorides are rather indifferent as regards the formation of molasses. 

SUGGESTIONS ON THE DESIRABLE AND UNDESIRABLE COMPOSITION OF LIMESTONE 
USED IN SUGAR MANUFACTURE. 

The difficulties usually encountered in the management of the limekiln are as 
follows: A limestone containing too much silica will show a tendency to fuse, and 
if overheated will adhere firmly to the walls of kiln. Stone in too small pieces, or 
stone and coke not properly distributed, or stone with an excess of coke, will some- 
times "scaffold," or bridge. The above conditions soon prevent the downward 
progress of the stone and lime. These difficulties are obviated by the use of suitable 
stone, properly mixed with the coke and evenly distributed in the kiln, and by the 
withdrawal of lime at regular intervals. Should the charge "scaffold" in the kiln, 
it can only be broken down by the withdrawal of a considerable quantitj' of material 
at the lime doors and energetic use of an iron bar at the "peep-holes." The use of 
too little coke or the too rapid withdrawal of lime results in an undue proportion 
of underburned or raw lime. The admission of too little air to the kiln results in 
an imperfect combustion and an excess of carbonic oxide in the gas. This carbonic 
oxide not only is a loss of carbon, but, if carelessly inhaled by the workmen, may 
result in serious poisoning. The addition of too much air dilutes the gas. This 
latter may result from leakage in the pipes, careless charging, or from driving the 
gas pump too fast. The following table contains valuable information relative to 
the quality of the limestoiie. 



206 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Analyses of limestones and comments ' on their composition. 
[Messrs. Gallois and Dupont, Paris.] 



Substance. 



Moistnre 

Sand, clay, and insoluble matter 

Organic matter 

Soluble silica 

Oxides of iron and alumina (FesOs, 

AljOs) 

Carbonate of calcium (CaCO^) 

Carbonate of magnesium (MgCOs) . . . 
Sodium and potassium (NajO, K2O).. 
Undetermined 



1 


2 


3 


4 


5 6 


7 


8 


9 


10 


P.ct. P.ct. P.ct. 


P.ct. 


P.ct. P.ct. 


P.ct. 


P.ct. 


P.ct. 


p.ct. 


4.10 .5.10 7.25 4.15 


4. 17 6. 25 


5.16 


0.52 


1.21 


0.11 


4.50, 5.15; 4.90: 2.15 


3. 07 3. 17 


2.25 


2. 85 


.55 


.27 


1.20 1.17 1.37 


1.05 


.97 1.12 


.86 


.30 


.41 


.15 


2. 10 1. 75 3. 30 


1.05 


- 98 . 64 


.56 


.06 


.20 


.03 


.37 .41 .27 


.17 


.19 .15 


.20 


.32 


.23 




85.86 85.12 


81.67 


90. i;i 


88.65 87.93 


90.03 


93.80 


96.58 


99.10 


.95; .47 


.59 


.75 


.95 .50 


.45 


1.81 


.50 




.05 .06 


"".65 


.10 
.45 


.01 










.87| .77 


1.00 .24 


.39 


.34 


.32 


.34 


100. 00 100. 00 

1 


100. 00 


100. 00 


100. 00 100. 00 


100. 00 


100. 00 


100. 00 


100. 00 



N08. 1, 2, 3, and 4 are bad, Nos. 5, 6, and 7 are jiassable, and Nos. 8, 9, and 10 are 
excellent. 

Limestone No. 3 was used in a sugar house, and caused much trouble, notably, 
"scaffolding," difficulty iu the mechanical filtration, incrustations in thetriple effect 
and on the vacuum-pan coils. No. 9 was substituted for this stone, and these 
difficulties disappeared. 

In the examination of a limestone, its physical condition as well as its chemical 
composition must be taken into account. The stone should be compact and hard, 
thus reducing the quantity of fragments and the risk of " scaffolding " in the kiln. 

Excessive moisture, 5 per cent or more, in the stone reduces the temperature of 
the kiln when charging, involving an imperfect combustion and the production of 
carbonic oxide (CO); further, such stones break into small pieces under the influ- 
ence of the heat. A small proportion of water, apjiroximately 1 per cent, probably 
facilitates the decomposition of the stone, and is advantageous. 

Magnesium is not objectionable, so far as the operation of the kiln is concerned, 
except in the presence of silicates, but it introduces difficulties in the purification of 
the juice and forms incrustations on the heating surfaces of the evaporating appara- 
tus. It forms fusible silicates at high temperatures, and thus increases the ten- 
dency to "scaffolding." The objections to the sulphate of calcium are practically 
the same as to magnesium. 

The objections to the presence of silicates are, as indicated above, in the formation 
of fusible silicates of lime and magnesium. Part of the silica passes into the juice 
with the lime, retards the filtration with the presses, and coats the cloth of the 
mechanical filters, to their detriment. Silica also forms part of the scale on the heat- 
ing surface. Less harm results from this substance in hard limestones than from 
that in soft stone; hence, if the stone be hard and compact, a larger content of silica 
is admissible than in a soft stone. 

When necessarily using stone of comparatively poor quality, the best obtainable 
coke should be employed. 

MELASSIGENIC SAI.TS. 

The following salts are positive molasses makers, that is, salts which promote the 
formation of molasses:^ Carbonate, acetate, butyrato, and citrate of potassium. 

The following have no influence on the formation of molasses and are classified as 
indifferent: Sulphate, nitrate and chloride of potassium, carbonate and chloride of 
sodium, calcium hydrate, valerate, oxalate and succinate of potassium and oxalate, 
citrate, and aspartate of sodium. 



'Mr. Cutler, manager of the Lehl factory, Utah, says: "We would regard as a 
good quality of limestone one containing from 95 to 98 per cent of carbonate of lime 
and not more than one-half to 1 per cent of silica." 

-This is to be avoided, because the more molasses the less sugar. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 



207 



The negative molasses mnkeis, that is, salts which promote the crystallization of 
sucrose, arc sulphate, nitrate, acetate, butyrate, valerate, and succinate of sodium, 
sulphate, chloride, and nitrate of magnesium, the chloride and nitrate of calcium, 
and the a8i)artate of potassium. 

LIME ROOKS AND M'ATERS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF BEET 

SUGAR. 

The following pa])er on the lime rocks and water used in the manu- 
facture of beet imgpr is by Mr. G. S. Dyer, superintendent of the beet- 
sugar factory at Los Alamitos, Oal. : 

I give below tlie analysis of three types of rock: 



Constituenta. 



Calciam carbonale ......... 

Majineaium carbonate 

Iron and alumina 

Silica, sand, etc 

Moisture 

Organic matter and. MgS04 
Undetermined 



Good 
(Colton). 



Per cent. 

98. 000 

.453 

1.096 

.281 

.054 



,116 



Passable 

(Oro 
Grande). 



Per cent. 
94. 306 

1.845 
.929 
.900 
.038 
.701 

1.281 



100. 000 



Bad 

(A French). 



Per cent. 

81.67 

2.50 

.27 

8.20 

5.25 

1.37 

.04 



100. uo 



Moisture is tlie first important point, as it takes just that much more coke to drive 
it off, and, besides, it causes the breaking of the rock while undergoing cooking, also 
the resulting dnst helps to cause the massing of the kiln. Hard rocks contain but 
little water, but soft ones may contain as high as 20 per cent. Hygroscopic rock 
should be sheltered from the rain. If possible, do not use rock that contains more 
than 2 per cent of moistiue. 

Silica and aluminum present gieat inconvfenienccs, inasmuch as these two sub- 
stances form silicates and aluminates of calcium and magnesium during calciuation, 
causing an insoluble coat to form on the outsides of the liuie lumps that prevent it 
from slacking readily. The silica that enters the juice is broken up by the action of 
the alkalies and is precipitated on the tubes of the evaporators. Magnesium is not 
particularly harmful in quantities not to exceed 3 per cent; if more, it silicates in 
the Ijurning, and if abundant causes a false alkalinity of the juice besides incrusta- 
tions on the tubes of the evaporators and vacuum pan. Calcium sulphate presents 
the same faults as magnesium, and proportionately lowers the saline coefficient of 
the product, thereby hindering the crystallization of sugar. It is well also to avoid 
a rock that decrepitates badly during calcination. A great many times the rocks 
can be mixed to good advantage — hard and soft. 

What has been said about the iudivicJual composition of the lime rocks can be 
applied to tlie water as well. It is needless to say that the purer the water the bet- 
ter. The water used at Alvarado has 22.5 grains per gallon; Lebi, 21; Eddy, N. 
Mex , 17.2, and Los Alamitos, 20. Just what the extreme limit would be I am not 
prepared to state, probably in the vicinity of 35 or 40. The mineral matter takeu 
into the juice in this manner amounts to considerable when one stops to think that 
an ordinary factory uses about 200,000 gallons in twenty-four hours. 

By using condensed water from the evaporators the troublesome scale in the boil- 
ers is very much improved, and at this particular plant this scale, which formed for 
the whole season of one hundred days, was not of the thickness of ordinary note 
paper. 



208 beet-sugar industry in the united states. 

Answers of Factory Officials to Questions Relative to 

Factory Work. 

Dnriiig the investigations of the past year certain questions were 
propounded to the superintendents, managers, and experts of the beet- 
sugar factories with the view of gaining information touching the 
mechanical and practical problems incident to the factory side of the 
beet-sugar industry. The public generally is not so much interested 
in the particular person as it is in the fact that the answer was made 
by one thoroughly exi^erienced in the operation of a factory; hence, 
the official answering is given after each answer, which is therefore 
worthy of consideration as coming from good authority. The number 
of each answer refers to the order in which the factory was visited. 

The questions and answers are as follows: 

What do you i)ay farmers for the siojar heeis^ 

(1) We pay $4.25 per tou lor beets, and we pay a part of the freight, which brings 
the price of the beets up to something like $4.50. — (Supei-intenilent.) 

(2) We pay $4 per ton for beets. AVheu we receive a bounty we pay $5 per ton. — 
(Assistant superintendent. ) 

(3) We pay $4 per ton for beets. — (Sui)erinteudent.) 

(4) We pay $4.50 per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) We pay $3.50 per tou for beets showing 12 per cent sugar content and 80 jiercent 
purity. — (Manager.) 

(6) We pay $4.50 per ton for beets as they run. — (Manager.) 

Hoxv much does the recent improrementin machinery reduce the cost of making sugar 'i 

(1) Saves cost and time. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) We are malcing sugar cheaper than ever. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Quite materially. — (Superintendent.) 

What tvould be a fair estimate of the cost to the farmer for raising the beets and delinir- 
ing them to the factory? 

(1) I would say that the average cost to the farmer for raising and delivering a ton 
of beets would be ordinarily, Avith a good crop, from $2.50 to $3 per ton. — (Super- 
intendent.) 

(2) It will cost the farmer from $25 to $30 an acre. — (Assistant superintendent.) 
, (3) It will cost from $23 to $30 per acre. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) It costs our farmers iibont $23 an acre. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) It will cost our farmers from $20 to $25 to produce and deliv(ir an acre of beets. — 
(Manager.) 

(6) It will cost the farmers here from $25 to $35 to jjroduie and deliver an acre of 
beets. — (Manager. ) 

WTiat is the average rent that farmers have to j^ay for sugar-bcrt land? 

(1) The rental per acre for good sugar-beet land in this vicinity is^ from $10 to $15 
per acre. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) The farmers usually give from one-fourth to one-lifth of the crop. — (Assistant 
superintendent.) 

(3) The rent is usually from $15 to $20 per acre. In some places, however, it is as 
low as $4 per acre. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) The farmer usually gives one-fourth of the crop delivered, which would mean 
usually $9 to $12 rent per acre. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) Our farmers give from one-fifth to one-fourth of the crop. Very little Jand is 
rented on the basis of so much per acre cash rent, — (Manager.) 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 209 

(6) The land is largely owuetl by a compauy, aud they sell the laud to the farmer, 
who raises his own beets. The compauy either hires its owu beets raised on the 
rest of the land, or if it rents receives one-fourth of the crop. — (Manager,) 

[Note. — In Nebraska good sugar-beet laud rents at from $4 to $6 per acre. — C. 
F. S.] 
What do you do with the pulp f 

(1) We have a large creamery here that uses considerable of the pulp aud the farm- 
ers are begiuuiug to use it quite extensively. The pulp is fed to cattle and sheep. 
The cattle readily eat about 100 pounds of pulp pt'r day aud 15 pounds of hay, the 
sheep eating in proportion. They make excelleut beef and fatten in a short time; 
the meat is much sought after at home and iu Easteru markets. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) Sell one-half for 10 cents per ton to cattle company and some to farmers. The 
latter demand is increasing rapidly. The remainder is disposed of as waste. — 
(Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Give it away mostly aud sell some of it. Most of it is used by the farmers; 
they are trying it. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) Some of our pulp is hauled away as it is produced ; some we are siloing aud 
arranging stock yards where it will be used iu feeding. Some dairies are using the 
pulp aud the demand from farmers is growing stronger. We sell it to-day at 50 cents 
per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) Our pulj) is contractetl for by another company, which sells it to cattlemen; 
1,500 to 3,000 head of cattle are fed here. The creameries are using some. The 
farmers are using very little. All of our pulp is consumed in this way. Itfis better 
feed after standing for a while. — (Manager.) 

(6) We fed our j)ulp last year to cattle. This is a great cattle country and we will 
dispose of all of our pulp in this way. — (Manager.) 

What do you do with the molasses f 

(1) We do nothing with the low-product molasses, but we have now contracted to 
sell it to a compauy for from 1 to 1^ cents per gallon to be used in the manufacture 
of alcohol. — (Superiutendent.) 

(2) Nothing. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Nothing. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) We use the "crystallization-in-motion jji'ocess," and aim to extract as much 
sugar from the molasses as possible. After the i)urity drojis below 60 we throw it 
away. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) We use the Steflens process in the manufacture of sugar. We have a special 
department in the factory for working up the low-product molasses, aud through 
this process we are enabled to extract most of the sugar. — (Manager.) 

(6) The low-product molasses is thrown away. It contains from 50 to 53 per cent 
of sugar. — (Manager.) 

What is the cost of making beet sn<jar ready for the market ? 

(1) It would be very difficult to give you the data as to making a ton of sugar in 
this country as yet. In 18!J6 we worked 43,000 tons of beets, making therefrom 
9,156,000 pounds of sugar, the cost of which was $3.71 per 100 jiounds. — (Sujjerin- 
tendent.) 

[Note. — This would be about $74.20 per ton.] 

(2) About 3 cents per pound. — (Assistant superiutendent.) 

(3) About $70 per ton or 3 to 34^ cents per pound. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) Seventy dollars per ton or 3 to 3A cents jjer pound. — (Superiutendent.) 

(5) Three to 3^ cents per pound. — (Manager.) 

(6) The cost of making sugar varies from $2.25 to $2.75 per ton of beets, uot figur- 
ing the cost of the beets. — (Manager.) 

What kind of beet seed does best in. your locality? 

(1) AVe have found the seed best adapted to our locality is the Klein wanzlebener. 
We have also had good success with home grown seed. — (Superintendent.) 
H. Doc. 396 1! 



210 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

(2) We found tlie Vilmorin and the improved Kleiuwanzlebener do best. — (Assist- 
ant siiperiiitendeut.) 

(3) Vilmoria and its derivations seem to be better for arid climates. — (Superin- 
tendent.) 

(4) We succeed better with the original Kleiuwanzlebener and improved Vilmorin. 
(6) We have had good luck with Kleinwanzlebenerand improved Kleinwanzlebener. 

We find the home-grown seed grow splendidly. 

What per cent of your machinery is American made and what per cent is American design ? 

(1) Nearly all our machinery is American made and American design. — (Superin- 
tendent. ) 

(2) Twenty per cent is American made and design. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Is'inety-niue and one-half per cent of our machinery is American made and all 
of it modified to suit our improved conditions. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) Nearly 100 per cent of our machinery is American made and design. — (Super- 
intendent.) 

(5) Orignally all of our machinery was of German make, but now 50 and 66| per 
cent is American made and design. — (Manager.) 

(6) We secured our machinery originally by purchasing a factory in Canada of 
French design and make. Our improvements are generally of American design and 
make. — (Manager.) 

When do your farmers jyJaut heet seed? 

(1) The seed is planted here in April or fore part of May. The amount of rainfall 
that we have from time of planting iintil the time of harvesting is very small as a 
rule. We therefore irrigate the beets, and they require watering from two to five 
times during the season. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) From February to June. We draw our beets from several valleys with differ- 
ent climates, which causes the difference in time of planting and harvesting. — 
(Assistant superintendent. ) 

(3) Should plant in the middle of March, but the bulk is planted in April and 
some as late as June. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) We plant from March 1 to April 30; sometimes we can plant in February if it 
turns warm enough. We have planted in September and had 18 per cent of sugar 
in the beets and good purity. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) We plant from February to June, according to the locality and the season. — 
(Manager.) 

(6) That is the problem. We are new. Early planting did the best ; this year we 
planted as late as the middle of June. We feel that it is best to plant in February 
and March for our season, or wait for the usual rain in May and June, our second 
season. — (Manager.) 

When do your farmers harvest? 

(1) We begin harvesting the last of September. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) August 15 to January 1; sometimes we finish in December and sometimes in 
March. — (Assistant superintendent. ) 

(3) From the middle of August to the last of November, according to season and 
locality. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) We can harvest from July 5 to end of campaign, about November 1. — (Super- 
intendent.) 

(5) We harvest from July to November 15, according to the locality. — (Manager.) 

(6) Harvesting is done here from the middle of October to the middle of Novem 
ber. — (Manager. ) 

Hoto do your farmers care for the heels until they are worked by the factory? 

(2) Leave them in the ground. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Leave them in the ground until we call for them and put the balance that is 
left in November in the sheds. — (Superintendent.) 

(1) Leave them in the ground and harvest them as needed. — (Superintendent.; 
(5) The beets are left in the ground uutil they are called for by the factory when 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTKY IN THE UNITED STATES. 211 

our fall runs begin in November. After this some of the beets may still be unworked. 
These beets will have to be siloed; not many have to be treated in this way, how- 
ever. — (Manager. ) 

(6) We aim to keep about 1,000 tons of beets in the sheds. The farmers leave the 
balance of the beets in the ground until called for. 
How do you iuy your seed ? 

We buy early in the fall of a good, safe firm, either in Europe or through their 
agent here. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) We buy our seeds in Austria, Germany, and Kussia about the 15th of Septem- 
ber, and have them shipped right along in original packages, of standard firms hav- 
ing established repiitatious. — (Superiuteudeut.) 

(4) We buy of best European firms through their American agent. We buy in 
September. — (Superintendent. ) 

(5) We buy from best houses in Europe and have the seeds tested when they 
arrive. — (Manager. ) 

(6) We buy original Kleinwanzlebener of the agent who represents that firm in 
this country. — (Manager. ) 

What fuel do you use ; where is it from ; and what does it cost? 

(1) We use coal for fuel. It cost us last year $3 per ton delivered; and it is 
derived from a point in our State about 70 miles from the factory. It requires about 
13 per cent of coal to 1 ton of beets. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) We use crude petroleum. Our supply comes from Los Angeles, Cal. It costs 
about $1.05 per barrel f. o. b. there. — (Assistant superintendent ) 

(3) We use lignite coal from England. It cost $6.30 per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) We burn crude petroleum. We get our supply from Los Angeles, Cal. Its 
cost is about equal to steam coal at $3 per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) We use petroleum. Our source of supply is near the factory. About four 
barrels of oil is equal to 1 ton of coal. — (Manager.) 

(6) We use bituminous coal. Our source of supplies is about 400 miles away. It 
costs us $3.35 per ton. The cost at the mine is 90 cents. 

What does coke cost your factory? 

(1) Our coke costs us $11 per ton delivered. We only use 2 per cent of it to 1 ton 
of beets. — (Superintendent.) 

(2) We getour supply of coke from Wales. It costs us about $12 per ton. — (Assist- 
ant superintendent.) 

(3) We got our supply of coke from England. It costs from $7 to $8. — (Superin- 
tendent.) 

(4) Our coke costs about $11 per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) We use coke from England. It costs us $13 per ton. — (Manager.) 

(6) We use coke from Pennsylvania. It costs $10.35 per ton. — (Manager.) 
From whence do you secure your supply of limestone and tvhat does it cost you per ton ? 

(1) Limestone costs us about $2 per ton delivered and broken up to the size that 
we require. This we get from a quarry about 16 miles distant, and it is hauled to 
the factory by teams, as there are no railroads. We require about 6 per cent of lime 
to a ton of beets. We require a good quality of limestone, one containing 95 to 98 
per cent of lime and not more than one-half to 1 per cent of silica. — (Superin- 
tendent.) 

(2) Our limestone costs us from $1 to $1.25 per ton. — (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) Our limestone costs us about $1.50 per ton. We have to ship it about 60 miles. — 
(Superintendent. ) 

(4) Our source of supply of limestone is about 90 miles from the factory. We pay 
$2.50 per ton. — (Superintendent.) 

(5) Our source of supply is about 90 miles distant. — (Manager.) 

(6) Our limestone comes about 12 miles. It costs $1.80 per ton. — (Manager.) 
now many ions of heet are required to make a ton of white avanuhtted siujarF 

(1) It would be ditficult to give you any accurate data as to the cost of making a 



212 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ton of beet sugar in this country as yet. In oar locality last year the average ton- 
nage was 14 per acre. The average sugar in the beets was 13.9 per cent, with 82.5 
purity. With such beets Ave obtain nearly 210 pounds of sugar from a ton of beets. 
In 1896 we made our sugar run about a ton to 9* tons of beets.— (Superintendent.) 

(2) We secure about 13 per cent of raw sugar and 8 to 9 per cent of refined sugar 
from a ton of beets.— (Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) We require about 10} tons of beets to make a ton of white granulated sugar. — 
(Superintendent.) 

(4) You can extract about 75 to 80 per cent of the sugar in the beet. Of course, 
if the beet shows an average of 15 per cent sugar, such as ours will, this would be 
12 per cent of the actual tonnage of beets worked.— (Superintendent.) 

(5) Under our process, which is to get as much sugar out of the molasses as pos- 
sible, we lose about 3^ to 4|- per cent of the original sugar in the beet, and in case 
the average be 15 per cent sugar in the beet the amount of sugar that could be 
extracted would be equal to 15 minus 3.V or 4^. — (Manager.) 

(6) There is a loss of about 3.65 per cent of the original sugar in the beet. Sub- 
tracting this from the average amount of sugar in the beet originally you v/ill have 
the amount of sugar that can be extracted. — (Manager.) 

How muchjm^p is left after working a ton of heets? 

(1) About 50 per cent of dry-pressed pulp will result from a ton of beets. — 
(Superintendent. ) 

(2) We generally have about 40 per cent of pulp of the original tonnage of beets. — 
(Assistant superintendent.) 

(3) That depends on the amount of pressure applied in forcing out the water, but 
it will usually run about 38 per cent of the original tonnage of beets.— (Superin- 
tendent.) 

(4) We have left about 46 per cent in pulp of the original weight of beets.— 

(Superintendent.) 

(5) Our pulp runs about 50 to 55 per cent of the original weight of the beets.— 
(Manager. ) 

tVhat experiments have you tried with pulp and molasses? 

(1) There has been a local company organized here to buy the low product molas- 
ses, from which they will make alcohol. They pay us from, 1 to U cents per gallon 
for the molasses. 

(3) There is an alcohol process for extracting the sugar in the molasses. If we 
could use this process we could get practically all of the sugar out of the molasses, 
but in doing so we would have to recover our alcohol aftei- each process, so that in 
doing this we would come in contact with the United States revenue laws. There- 
fore it is not used. — (Superintendent.) 

(4) We have tried no experiments with either pulp or molasses.— (Superintendent. ) 

Observations Growing Out of Answers to Questions Sub- 
mitted TO Factory Operators. 

COST OF FACTORIES. 

There is a general inquiry in localities wbere the question of estab- 
lishing a beet-sugar factory is being agitated as to the cost of con- 
structing and equipping a factory. The cost of a factory will vary in 
different localities, depending upon the local cost of building mate-^ 
rials, the freight rates for shipping these materials, and the cost of 
freight on machinery, etc. There is a general rule, however, that 
appears to be accepted as a fair estimate by those best informed in 
beet-sugar factory construction, namely, that it will cost $1,000 per ton 
of daily capacity to construct and equip a factory of 300 tons per day 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 213 

or over. Factories having capacities of less than 300 tons per day 
will cost more than $1,000 per ton, and it is to be presumed that for a 
factory of considerably more than 300 tons capacity per day the cost 
of construction would be materially less than $1,000 per ton. Accord- 
ing to the rule mentioned, however, the estimate must be $300,000 to 
construct and equip a factory of 300 tons capacity per day, $500,000 for 
one with a capacity of 500 tons per day, etc. We have before us an 
estimate by a gentleman thoroughly familiar with the construction of 
beet-sugar factories. These estimates give considerable details in the 
matter of construction and will be especially valuable in suggesting 
items that must be considered by people in a locality where the ques- 
tion of constructing a factory is being considered. The first estimate 
is for a factory of 300 tons capacity per day, and the second is for a 
factory with a capacity of 500 tons x>er day. Each estimate is based 
on one hundred days as the length of the "campaign," or the time the 
factory will be engaged in working the beets for the year. 

ESTIMATE OF A BEET-SUGAR FACTORY OF 300 TONS CAPACITY PER DAY. 

In presenting these estimates for your consideration ^e beg to call your attention 
to the followiiig- points, to wit: 

Our figures are leased on first-class brick buildings, constructed as nearly fireproof 
as possible, also brick smokestack and Al boilers. 

We include in our estimate large beet sheds, sugar storehouse, limekilns, ofiice, 
and laboratory, including outfit.. 

We figured on the latest improved, most modern, and labor-saving machinery and 
apparatus, eitlier foreign or American manufacture, to make white granulated sugar 
direct from the beets without refining, and have also included in oirr estimate a 
process for the working up of all afterproducts during the campaign, which latter 
arrangement is quite an item of cost. 

The whole plant to be of the very best and latest design and workmanship, and 
so constructed that its capacity can be easily enlarged at the minimum cost and for 
the special purpose of saving every possible item of labor and expense. 

Our estimates, although very conservatively made, are to be taken approximately, 
because correct estimates of the cost of a plant, of expenses, and profits vary so 
widely with varying conditions in the diff'erent States (as to cost of fuel, labor, 
material, beets, etc.) that it is impossible to submit here a more detailed estimate, 
We may add that we figured on a campaign of one hundred days and one hundred 
nights and based the amount of product and profit on 12.7 per cent yield of the 
weight of the beets, which is the general average yield of sugar beets in America. 

Estimate of coat, running expenses, and profits of a ieet-sugar factory of capacity of 300 
tons of heels x>er day of tiventy-four hours. 

Total capital needed, not including cost of laud for factory and additional 

buildings, which site should be 15 to 20 acres, to be about $315, 000 

Running capital : 
The capital required to operate the factory to be , 30, 000 

Usually the bills for fuel, lime, and other materials and work are paid 
at the end of every month, and it is the same with farmers in regard to 
payment for their beets. Sugar, as one of the most required staple arti- 
cles, is sold for cash or on short time, and every day 38.10 tons, or 76,200 
pounds, of sugar will be ready for sale. The company should at the end 
of each month have suflicient money collected from their sales not only 
to meet all payments, but have a good surplus. For this purpose the 
sum of $30,000 will be sufficient. 



214 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Cost of plant : 

For all factory buildings, sugar storehouse, beet sheds, office and labora- 
tory, limekilns, foundation for engines and apparatus, including all other 
mechanical work $95, 000 

For boilers, engines, pumps, machinery, and millwright work; also for the 
entire inside outfit and apparatus of either American or foreign manu- 
facture 190,000 

Cost of plant complete 285, 000 

Salaries and general expenses : 

Technical superintendent $5, 000 

General manager 3, 000 

Agricultural expert 2, 000 

2 chemists during " campaign " 1, 000 

Head machinery engineer and assistant 2, 300 

2 sugar boilers, at $250 each 500 

2 overseers, at $800 each 1, 600 

Weigbmaster 800 

Bookkeepers, clerks, typewriter, and other office help 4, 000 

Stationery, advertising, and incidentals 1, 000 

Expenses of meetings of the board of directors 1, 200 

Selling expenses of sugar to j obber 5, 000 

Insurance, 1^ per cent of $150,000 2,250 

Repairs on machinery per campaign 3, 000 

Depreciation, 7 per cent on $200,000 machinery 14, 000 

6 per cent interest on $315,000 capital invested 18, 900 

Salaries and general expenses 65, 550 

Wages for labor : 
20 skilled laborers, 100 days and 100 nights, 12 hours per day, or 

together 4,000 days' work, at $2,50 10,000 

40 common laborers, 100 days and 100 nights, or together 8,000 

days' work, at $1.75 14,000 

Total wages 24,000 

Running expenses: 
4,500 tons of coal (slack), equal to 15 per cent of weight of beets, 

at $1.50 6,750 

Limestone and coke 7, 040 

Oil, etc 860 

Reserve materials 2, 000 

Linen for filter presses !> 400 

Electric light 1,200 

Sacks 1,100 

30,000 tons of beets, at $4 per ton - 120,000 

Total for running expenses 140, 650 

Total salaries, wages, and all expenses 230, 200 

Product and return for same : 

The general average j-ield of sugar in America has been 11 per cent of the 
weight of the beets; taking this as a basis and the present price of sugar 
at $92 per ton, the total production from 30,000 tons of granulated sugar, 
at $92 per ton - 303,600 

For pulp at 25 cents per ton, say for campaign, 6,000 tons 1, 500 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 215 

Margin on aeed, 3 cents per ponnd, on 60,000 pounds $1, 800 

Total returns 306, 900 

Total expenses 230, 200 

Net profits 76, 700 

[Note. — Coat of coal, lime, labor, and other materials may be cheaper in your 
locality than figured in above investment; and if this is the case, the expenses will 
be less and the cost of producing sugar cheaper,] 

Estimate of cost, running expenses, and profits of a heet-sugar factory of capacity of 500 
tons of heets per day of twenty-four hours. 

Total capital needed, not including cost of land for factory and additional 

buildings, which site should be 15 to 20 acres large, to be about $425, 000 

Euuning capital : 
The capital required to operate the fixctory to be 50, 000 

Usually the bills for fuel, lime, and other material and work are paid 
at the end of every month, and it is the same with farmers in regard to 
payment for their beets. Sugar, as one of the most required staple articles, 
is sold for cash or on short time. Every day 63.5 tons, or 127,000 pounds, 
of sugar will be ready for sale. The company should at the end of each 
month have sufficient money collected from their sales not only to meet 
all payments but have a good surplus. For this reason the sum of 
$50,000 will be sufficient. 
Cost of jilant: 

For all factory buildings, sugar storehouses, beet sheds, office and labora- 
tory, limekilns, foundations for engines and apparatus, including all 
other mechanical work 125, 000 

For boilers, engines, pumps, machinery, and millwright work; also for the 
entire inside outfit and apparatus of either American or foreign manu- 
facture 250,000 

Cost of plant complete 375, 000 



Salaries and general expenses : 

Technical superintendent $5, 000 

General manager 3, 000 

Agricultural expert 2, 000 

Two chemists during campaign 1, 000 

Head machinery engineer and assistant 2, 300 

2 sugar boilers, at $250 each 500 

2 overseers, each $800 1,600 

Weighmaster 800 

Bookkeepers, clerks, typewriter, and other office help 5, 000 

Stationery, advertising, and incidentals 1, 000 

Expense of meeting of board of directors 1, 200 

Selling expenses of sugar to j obbers - 8, 000 

Insurance, H per cent of $200,000 3,000 

Repairs on machinery per campaign 3, 800 

Depreciation of 7 per cent of $250,000 machinery 17, 500 

6 per cent interest on $425,000 capital invested 25, 500 

Salaries and general expenses 81, 200 

Wages for labor : 
20 skilled laborers, 100 days and 100 nights, 12 hours per day, or 
together 4,000 days' work, at $2.50 $10,000 



216 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

40 common laborers, 100 flays aud 100 nights, or together 8,000 days' 

work, at $1.75 $14,000 

Total wages $24, 000 

Running expenses: 
7,500 tons of coal (slack), equal to 15 per cent weiglit of beets, at 

$1.50 11, 250 

Limestone and coke 12, 000 

Oil, etc .- 1,350 

Reserve materials 3, 000 

Linen for filter presses 1, 800 

Electric lights furnished by city station 1, 200 

Sacks 2, 000 

50,000 tons of beets, at average of $4 per ton 200, 000 

232,600 

Total salaries, wages, and all expenses "337, 800 

Product and return for same : 
The general average yield of sugar in America has been 11 per cent of the 
weight of l>eets ; taking this and the preseu t price of sugar at $92 per ton as 
a base, the total production from 50,000 tons would be 5,500 tons of granu- 
lated sugar, at $92 per ton 506, 000 

For pulp, at 25 cents per ton, say, per campaigu, 7,500 1, 877 

Margin on seed, 3 cents per pouud on 100,000 pounds 3, 000 

Total returus 510, 877 

Total expenses 337, 800 

Net profits 173,077 

[Note. — Cost of coal, lime, labor, and other materials may be cheaper in your 
locality than figured in al)ove estimate, and if this is the case the expenses will be 
less and the cost of producing the sugar cheaper.] 

NEW FACTORIES. 

Ten or fifteen new f^ictories are now in process of capitalization in 
diiferent sections of the country, and will probably be ready for working 
the crop of beets that will be raised in 1898. We are reliably informed 
that there will be at least two additional factories in isTew York, one or 
two in Iowa, one in IMichigan, one or two in Intliana, one in Utah, one 
in Wisconsin, one in Montana, one in Vir^^inia, and one in Oregon. 
These factories, which will do more to demonstrate the possibilities of 
the States in which they are to be erected than anything else, will be 
established under such sure conditions, that they will be the first strong, 
stout round in the bidder tliat will carry us to final success in the beet- 
sugar industry in the United States. 

PULP FEEDING. 

The following is a report made by Mr. John Reimers, of Grand 
Island, Nebr., to the special agent, on pulp feeding: 

As requested in your favor of the 13th instant to I. R. Alter, I wish to give yon my 
opinion of four years' experience in feeding beet-sngar pulp (o cattle. 

I consider it a valuable food in connection with grain and other feed, as it is a 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 217 

great digestive food and appetizer. It has some fattening qualities, but I do not 
depend on it for that purpose, but mainly to digest the other foods. 

When I begin feeding, I use for. the first few days from 20 to 25 pounds of pulp per 
head daily, with hay and little grain or meal mixed with it. Then increase grad- 
ually to 40 or 50 pounds per head. I have also tried 80 to 90 pounds per head, but 
am positive that this is of disadvantage in fattening cattle, as thej' eat less grain 
and meal. Too nuich pulp is inclined to be loosening. Cattle can be put on fall feed 
of grain much quicker with pulp, as it helps to digest the food and lessens the 
danger of overfeeding or getting the cattle stalled and foundered. 

After feeding from ninety to one hundred days, I would advise going back grad- 
ually to 20 and 25 pounds of pnlp per day and increasing the grain food, which each 
feeder must judge for himself the amount his cattle can stand. 

Cattle eat as much grain per day with the limited amount of pulp as they do with- 
out it, but this food in connection produces flesh more rapidly and thereby shortens 
the feeding season. 

I find'it better to feed ground feed with pulp rather than whole grain, but the 
pulp is beneficial with any kind of food. Have found, when feeding pulp with the 
same amount of roughness and grain that generally is required in the West to 
fatten cattle, that I would put on an extra gain of from 50 to 75 pounds per head ; 
or I can make the same amount of gain as I obtain in the ordinary way of feeding in 
three-fourths of the time, and consequently save considerable grain and roughness. 

The pulp-fed cattle will sell as readily as any other, as they dress and ship as well, 
even for export, which I myself have tried. Consider the pulp also a great food for 
stock cattle, if mixed with roughness, as it is a wholesome food and makes young 
stock thrive and grow. Cattle will eat poor and damaged roughness, which they 
otherwise would not toucli, if mixed with pulp. 

I have fed fresh pulp direct from the factory and also so-called sour pulp after it 
has been in silo. The pulp will keep in silo for years, but it will shrink some. 

The result is virtually the same in feeding either kind of pulp, and I consider 
them equally good, only that sometimes it takes three or ibur days before all the 
cattle learn to eat the sour pulp, while they will all eat fresh pulp readily the first 
day. 

[Note. — In talking with others having liad extensive experience in feeding pulp 
to cattle, we secured facts in the main agreeing with the above report. All appear to 
agree that pulp feeding aids the work of digestion ; that the same amount of feed adds 
more fat and llesh to the animal; that an animal will be prepared for the market 
six weeks earlier, showing a wonderful economy of time and feed. The gentleman 
making the report is connected with the Grand Island Live Stock and Commission 
Company, and has had mi extensive experience with the cattle and sheep feeding 
industry.— C. F. S.] 

CRUDE MATERIALS REQUIRED PER TON OF BEETS WORKED. 

The following shows the per cent of lime, coke, and coal used in two 
factories in the United States, based upon the tons of beets worked, and 
will afiford a basis of estimating the amount of these crude materials 
that will be required by a factory having a stated daily capacity and 
defluite number of days in its working campaign : 

Per cent of lime, coke, and coal requi7'ed to every ton of heets worked. 



Factory. 



First factory . . 
Second factory 



Per cent 
6 
5i 



Coke. 



Per cent. 

2 

44 



Coal. 



Per cent. 
13 
11 



218 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

SuaAR Consumption of Leading European Countries and 
THE United States. 

The following statement shows the consumption of sugar in the 
United States per capita from 1867 to 189G, inclusive: 

Sugar consumption per capita in the United States. 

Pounds. 

1867 28.9 

1877 36.2 

1887 52.6 

1896 62.7 

It will be seen that in less than thirty years tlie amount of sugar 
consumed in a year per capita in the United States has more than 
doubled. This is to be attributed to two causes: (1) The people in 
becoming more prosperous have become more liberal in their daily liv- 
ingj (2) the peojile are becoming more intelligent, and by investiga- 
tion better understand the uses of sugar in the arts and sciences and 
its application to manufacture. "We point to the wonderful develop- 
ment of the confectioner's art and the art of making sirups of all kinds 
for pharmaceutic compounds, soda fountains, etc., during the past 
thirty years. Sugar is extensively used for curing and flavoring wines 
and for many other purposes, most of which have been introduced dur- 
ing the period of 1867-189(5. Sugar was just beginning to come into 
use as a food in Queen Elizabeth's time, and the increase in its use has 
been continuous ever since. This increase in the use of sugar has been 
going on all over the world. The table following shows the rate of 
increase in the use of sugar per capita in the leading countries for 
twenty-three years. The United States leads, as it does in almost all 
other things, in this increased consumption of sugar. 

Rate of increase in consumption .of sugar per capita. 



Countries. 




Per cent 
a year. 



"France 142 6.18 

Germany 157 6.91 

Austria 107 4. 65 

England 90 3.50 

United States 278 12.10 

If we were to make a classification of countries based upon the intel- 
lectual standard of their people and upon the ability of those people to 
appreciate the daily comforts of life, we would find that our list would 
represent two things : (1) The countries would stand in the order of the 
freedom of the people and the liberality of their government; (2) in 
the order of the amount of sugar consumed per capita in those coun- 
tries. Under this classification the United States should stand first, 
but as our country is not old enough to have her position fixed, England 
takes the first rank. The United States, however, is gaining at the rate 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 219 

12.1 per cent per year while England's rate is but 3.5 per cent. The 
following statement shows consumption of sugar per capita in the coun- 
tries named duriug 1894-95 : 

Sugar consumption per capita, 1894-95. 

Pounds. 

United States 62.70 

England 86.09 

France 30.61 

Germany 26.78 

Austria 19. 87 

Russia 10. 94 

The three foregoing tables are taken from a pamphlet by E. W. 
Hilgard, director of the California Agricultural Exj)eriment Station. 
Professor Hilgard says : 

Two prominent facts are shown by tlie above tables. The first is that in the 
United States and in England the consumption of sngiir increases in a more rapid 
ratio than the population, and similar tables show the same to 1)6 true of all Euro- 
pean countries at least. There is probably a natural limit to the possibility of sugar 
consumption, even by the American boy and his elders, but it is not likely that that 
limit will be reached within the next quarter century. 

THE BEET- SUGAR INDUSTRY IN GERMANY. 

The following table from The Sugar Beet gives in condensed form 
information concerning the beet industry of Germany. 

Condensed data concerning the heet-sugar industry of Germany, 1S92-1S95. 



Factories working 

Number of steam engines 

Total horsepower 

Total beets worked (tons) 

Total area devoted to beets (acres) 

Average yield of beets per acre (tons) 



Raw sugar extracted. 



From beets in factories 

From molasses (special factories) 
Prom molasses in refineries 



Total raw sugar . 



Per cent extraction from beets worked 

Per cent extraction including the work of molasses 

Yield of sugar per acre (pounds) 

Weight of beets required to produce 100 lbs. raw sugar (pounds) 

Molasses per 100 ll)s. beets worked 

Total molasses extracted (tons) 

Consumption of sugar per capita (pounds) 



405 

5,324 

94, 952 

14, 526, 030 

1, 098, 465 

12.8 



Tons. 
1, 769, 331 
61, 447 
4,396 



1, 835, 174 

12.17 

12.64 

3,514 

822 

2.4 

347, 125 

23.5 



1893-94. 



405 

5,256 

87, 424 

10, 644, 352 

987, 723 

10.9 



Tons. 
1,319,006 
55, 165 
1,427 



1, 375, 598 



12.36 

12.92 

3,149 

809 

2.63 

279, 757 

20.2 



1892-93. 



401 

5,122 

81,596 

9, 811, 940 

880, 000 

11.7 



Tons. 
1, 175, 137 
48,925 
500 



1, 224, 562 



11.98 

12.48 

3,276 

835 

2.54 

246, 272 

26.78 



The above table is presented here because the 1,835,174 tons of raw 
sugar produced in Germany represents within about 100,000 tons the 
quantity of all kinds of sugar imported by this country. The details 
of the sugar industry in Germany are therefore of importance as show- 
ing about what would be the condition of the industry in the United 
States were it established to tlio extent of producing all the sugar 
required for home consumption. 



220 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Aside from the information set forth in this table, other facts are 
easily obtained; for instance, the following estimates made from aver- 
ages of cost of crude materials and labor, prorated on the cost of each 
for working a ton of beets, are compiled from data secured from the 
factories in this country: 

To install this industry on a scale adequate to providing our entire 
domestic consumption it would require an investment of capital 

to the extent of $200, 000, 000. 00 

Farmers would receive annually for beets 60, 000, 000. 00 

Coal operators and miners, or other sources of fuel supply, would. 

receive 5,665,151.70 

Laborers in the factory, skilled and unskilled, would receive 14, 000, 000. 00 

Coke manufacturers would receive 2, 500, 000. 00 

There would be paid to quarrymen for limestone, etc 1, 743, 123. 60 

The textile manufacturers would receive for filter cloth and bags, 

chemicals, sugar bags, etc 5, 156, 000. 00 

There would go to municipalities to relieve the burden of taxation. 1, 452, 603. 00 

Insurance companies would receive 726, 301. 00 

The working of the 14,526,030 tons of beets would result in the 
production of 5,810,412 tons of pulp. 

The following estimates are condensed from an article on "Pulp feed- 
ing," by Mr. John Eeimers, of Grand Island, Nebr., and provide 60 
pounds of pulp per day for milch cows for a year, and 40 pounds per 
day for cattle during the feeding season; the saving of feed is based 
upon a reduction of the feeding period by one-fourth: 

When this pulp is thoroughly understood and appreciated, it will be worth to the 
factories for animal food $2,905,206. This pulp would form the jjrincipal part of the 
best feed ration known for milch cows, and would feed for one year 528,219 cows. 
This amount of pulp could be turned to feeding and fattening cattle, and would be 
sufficient for feeding ration to prepare for the market 2,421,005 cattle. 

It is estimated by extensive, intelligent, and experienced feeders of pulp that a 
steer can be fattened six weeks earlier on this ration containing grain and pulp 
[Mr.Reimers j^uts it: "In three-fourths the time"], so that it can be estimated that 
the actual saving through the economy of feeding our entire output of pulp would 
be the whole nutritive ration necessary to fatten 605,251 cattle. 

Experience of Successful Growers of Sugar Beets. 

The information under this head is compiled for the jjurpose of giv- 
ing the results of the experience of successful growers of sugar beets. 
The numbers preceding the names of those answering the questions in 
the list correspond to the number preceding the answers. 

answers to questions by sugar-beet growers in NEBRASKA. 

The following is a list of sugar-beet growers in Nebraska, the ques- 
tions propounded to them, and the answers to the same: 

(1) James Seilley, Standard Cattle Company, Ames, Dodge County. 

(2) John Dugglcby, Standard Cattle Company, Ames, Dodge County. 

(3) Gustavo Koehler, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(4) Gotlieb D. Neunerman (raised beets in Germany), Merrick County. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 221 

(5) Fred. Ernstmeyer, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(6) John Friend, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(7) William Mun and D. A. Finch, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(8) Fred. Roby, Gi-and Island, Hall County. 

(9) George C. Humphrey, Doniphan, Hall County. 

(10) Edmund Starke, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(11) Theo. Sievers, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(12) Wbitmoro Brothers, Valley, Douglas County. 

(13) Henry Joehucke, Grand Island, Hall County. 

(14) F. H. Brown, Fremont, Dodge County. 
Number of acres grown ? 

(1) 100. (2) 55. (3) 36. (4) 10. (5) 2. (6) 5. (7) 150. (8) 10. (9) 30. (10) 100 
to 250. (11) 15. (12) 50. (13) 16. (14) 150. 
Usual time for p laughing ? 

(1) Fall or early spring. (2) Fall. (3) Soon as frost is out of ground. (4) Fall 
and sjn-iug. (5) Fall and spring. (6) Fall and spring. (7) Fall. (8) Fall and 
spring. (9) Fall and spring. (10) Fall. (11) April. (12) April. (13) Spring. (14) 
Spring. 
For harvesting ? 

(1) October. (2) October. (3) October. (4) Last September. (5) Last Septem- 
ber. (6) October 12 to 20. (7) October to November 1. (8) October to November 
15. (9) September 15 to October 30. (10; September 15 to October 15. (11) October 
1. (12) October and November. (13) October 15. (14) October 15 begin. 
Hoiv do you prepare the (jroundf 

(1) Plow; then follow by harrowing, pulverizing, and go over with chain harrow 
or leveller; then roll and harrow with light harrow. 

(2) Pulverize the soil linely and leave surface level. 

(3) Plow 12 inches in fall and 6 inches in spring; harrow, then drag to level the 
ground and plant; as soon as plant is up, use the spider cultivator; then bunch and 
thin to 6 and 8 inches; hoe once and cultivate twice with Planet, jr. 

(4) Plow 3 inches in fall and 9 inches in spring; harrow, roll, and harrow again; 
then plant. 

(5) Same as 4. 

(6) Plow 7 inches in fall and 8 inches in spring from April 1 to 15 to kill weeds 
and loosen the soil; then harrow good; roll the ground and plant an inch. 

(7) Extirpating; harrowing; rolling and harrowing. 

(8) Plow two or three times in fall, last time 15 to 16 inches; cultivate in the 
spring to stir the ground; harrow and plant. 

(9) Plow 4 to 5 inches in the fall and 10 inches as late as possible in the spring in 
blocks; to be jjlanted immediately. Follow with slant-tooth harrow as I plant, then 
float (plank), then plant. 

(10) Fall plowing; then cultivate with disk in the spring and harrow thoroughly. 

(11) Plow 3 inches in fall and 8 inches in spring, and subsoil 6 inches; harrow and 
roll or plank. 

(12) Best to plow in fall, and either plow or disk harrow early in spring, and then , 
thoroughly harrow the ground. 

(13) Plow 3 inches in fall to kill weeds and 10 inches in spring; drag with plank, 
3-lapped; then harrow and plank again. 

(14) Stubble ground. Plow 9 to 11 inches when weeds started in spring, lap- 
disked again ; then harrow, rolled, and planted. 

Explain your mode of cuUicationf 

(1) First cultivate with knives in cultivator once or as often as may be necessary; 
then bunch and cultivate ; thin and weed; cultivate; cultivate and hoe. 

(2) Deep hoeing and deey) cultivation. 

(3) See (3) under '' How do you prejiare the ground?" 



222 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

(4) Cultivate as soon as the plants are up ; then bunch and thin ; boe, according 
to the weeds, two or three times; then cultivate three to four times. 

(5) Same as (4). 

(6) Bunch and thin 8 to 10 inches apart; cultivate with four -row German cultiva- 
tor; with knives cultivate once more; cultivate once more with knives and once 
with plow blades; hoe if weedy. Loosen with beet loosener and pick. 

(7) After the beets are just up cultivate with the German cultivator and with 
knives about 2 inches deep; after that use goose feet. 

(8) Cultivate first and then bunch and thin; cultivate and hoe, after which culti- 
vate once more if needed; then pull weeds by hand. 

(9) Cultivate with Fremont with drag attachment about the time the beets are up 
with no cultivator attachments, and harrow again; then bunch and thin; after 
which cultivate with goose feet. I do not hoe; the harrow answers. I cultivate 
about six times. 

(10) After planting use small harrow; cultivate when up ; bunch and thin; hoe 
twice or three times. 

(11) Cultivate with Moline three times; hoe once. We bunch and thin after first 
cultivation, 

(12) Hand hoe and thin; then cultivate with small, fine one-horse cultivator made 
for the purpose. 

(13) Cultivate early with Moline before the beets are up, if necessary, for weeds; 
cultivate three or four times to keep weeds down and soil open; hoe twice; also thin 
and bunch. 

(14) As soon as plants show I go over with a wheel hoe operated by two men ; then 
use Fremont horse cultivator; after which thin and buuch; then cultivate twice, aud 
afterwards cut out weeds. 

Describe your soil ? 

(1) Sandy loam, black loam, and gumbo. 

(2) Gumbo. 

(3) Sandy loam with gravel and clay subsoil. 

(4) Very sandy ; sandy subsoil. 

(5) The same as (4). 

(6) Sandy loam; sandy subsoil, with some clay. 

(7) Sandy loam; clay subsoil. 

(8) Sandy loam; sometimes clay; sometimes sandy followed by hardpan under 
that. 

(9) Black sandy loam; yellow clay subsoil. 

(10) Sandy loam. 

(11) Sandy loam and clay subsoil. 

(12) Rich black sandy loam, with free sandy subsoil. 

(13) Sandy loam, with sand and sometimes clay subsoil. 

(14) Rich black loam. Would prefer a little sand. 
What are the requirements of beets for moisture? 

(1) Beets seem to be able to stand dry weather after they start to grow; they also 
do well with lots of rain. 

(2) They will stand wet or dry weather. 

(3) Require much less moisture; taproot will go down sometimes 8 to 10 feet. 

(4) Can stand more rain and much less than any other crop. 

(5) Same as (4). 

(6) Will thrive with one-half less moisture than is required by other crops and 
will stand more until time of ripening. 

(7) If ground is in good condition in the spring, will need only one rain to sprout; 
should have a good and damp August. 

(8) Need loss moisture and can stand more than other crops. 

(9) They do not require as much moisture as other crops. 



BEET-SUGAK INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 223 

(10) Can stand more or less moisture than any other crop. 

(11) Require much less than other crops. 

(12) Damp, fine seed bed with frequent showers while growing. 

(13) Require less moisture than other crops, and can stand more. 

(14) Not as much as corn, as they grow deeper in the ground. 
What are your esdmates per a(yrefor cost of raising and marketimj beets? 

(1) $25 per acre and $13 for marketing without freight. 

(2) The same as (1;. 

(3) $20. Improved machinery and cheaper labor Avhero available make these fig- 
ures much less. Harvesting will be about $9 additional. 

(4) $1,5 to $16, and $9 to $10 for harvesting. 

(5) The same as (4). 

(6) $15; which includes bunching, thinning, hoeing two times, and plowing 
three times. Harvesting costs me $G per acre; 4 miles from factory. 

(7) About $36 per acre. This includes harvesting. 

(8) $16 per acre; harvesting and marketing $14 more. 

(9) $25; harvesting and marketing will be $8 more. My beets nnist be delivered 
5 miles by wagon and then 12 miles by railroad. 

(10) $16 to $17 for raising the beets, and about the same for harvesting. 

(11) I do not know. 

(12) Generally about $30 per acre, and $10 lor marketing and harvesting. 

(13) $20 to $25, and about $4 marketing the beets. 

(14) $20 to raise tlie beets, and $6 per acre when harvested without siloing. 
How many tons do you average per acre? 

(1) 18 tons. (2) 17 tons. (3) 12 tons. (4) 10 to 12 tons. (5) The same as (4). 
(6) 14 tons. (7) About 11 tons. (8) 16 to 18 tons. (9) 10 tons. (10) 10 to 15 tons. 
(11) 13 to 15 tons. (12) 15 tons. (13) 12 tons. (14) 10 to 15 tons. 
What is the average sugar quality of your beets? 

(1) 14 ]5er cent sugar content, 81.5 per cent purity. (2) 13 per cent. (3) 16 per 
cent. (4) 14 per cent sugar, 80 per cent iiurity. (5) The same as (4). (6) 14 per 
cent. (7) Last year 14.2 per cent. (8) 14 per cent. (9) 14.8 per cent sugar, 82 
per cent purity. (10) 15.8 per cent sugar, 85 per cent purity. (11) Good test. (12) 
12 per cent sugar, 80 per cent i^urity. (13) Do not know. (14) 12 to 15 per cent. 
What do you recommend in the way of equipment, horses, and implements ? 

(1) For small farmer would recommend stirring plow, corn cultivator to go both 
ways and to harrow both ways; Moline's seeder, roller, and small harrow culti- 
vator. F. M. Wallace, of Fremont, has the best cultivator I know, and Al puller can 
be obtained at Fremont foundry. 

(2) Mules. Any implements can be used that will leave the ground level, loosened 
down deep, and thoroughly pulverized. 

(3) Stirring plow, beet seeder, harrow, drag, two horses. Planet, jr. cultivator, 
and hoes. My work was largely experimental in starting the industry. I came from 
the beet-sugar districts of Germany. 

(4) Stirring plow, roller, cultivator (Moline), harrow, and hoes. 

(5) The same as (4). 

(6) Stirring plow, harrow, cultivator, seeder, hoes, beet puller, roller. I find that 
l)lauking pulverizes the ground but does not make it compact. 

(7) Use, if possilile, mules; Jewell beet drill, cultivator. 

(8) Stirring plow, two to four horses, a stirring-plow cultivator (Fremont), har- 
row (no roller or plank), hoes. 

(9) A good teaui of three horses, stirring plow, float, harrow, a good cultivator 
like the Fremont. I think a cultivator should take only two rows, on account of 
the uuevenness of the ground. 

(10) Two horses, plow, cultivator, harrow, seeder, beet puller. 

(11) Stirring plow and. subsoiler, Moline cultivator, roller, harvester, hoes. 



224 BEET-8LTGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATESr 

(12) Use same plows, teams, men, etc., as for other farm work, adding fine harrow, 
cultivators, hoes, hand weeders, etc. 

(13) Moline cultivator, good stirring plow, small strong horse or mule, good har- 
row, three horses for stirring-plow work, plank harrow. 

(14) One combined seeder and cultivator, plow aud harrow. 
Hoio many acres with good equipment can one man tend? 

(1) Ten acres by himself. 

(2) Seven acres, if alone. 

(3) After the thinning and bunching and help to hoe once, one man cultivated 35 
acres. 

(4) Five acres, alone. 

(5) Five acres, alone. 

(6) One man and two boys can thin and bunch 10 acres in ten days, then one man 
can tend 10 acres alone. 

(7) Five acres. 

(8) Ten acres, if the man hires the bunching and thinning, which will cost $70. 

(9) Thirty acres, by paying $1.50 per acre for bunching and thinning. This is my 
experience. My ground is quite free from weeds, however. 

(10) Five acres, working alone. 

(11) I do not know. 

(12) 2 acres. 

(13) 10 acres, working alone. 

(14) One cultivator will tend -10 acres, but will have to have extra help in thinning 
and weeding. 

What are the obstacles you encounter, inchidin<j discuses, insects, etc^ 

(1) Have had no disease to contend with. Have had trouble with black cutworms 
and white bugs usually found on cockleburs, and with another bug that flies in 
swarms; do not know name, but they only affect the i)lant in spots, which usually 
grow again. 

(2) Trouble with nothing besides cut aud grub worms. 

(3) Have had no difficulties of this kind. 

(4) The same as (3). 

(5) The same as (3). 

(6) Sometimes small red ants are encountered when the plants first come up. 

(7) Cold aud wet Mays are injurious for sprouting and heavy winds are apt to 
hurt the plants just after they come up. 

(8) Nothing. 

(9) High winds, which drive the sand and cause it to cut off the plants. We have 
trouble with hail, but it does not injure beets as much as other crops. The leaves of 
my crop were all cut off twice last year, but they grew out again, but the hail did 
not hurt the roots. 

(10) None whatever so far. 

(11) Nothing. 

(12) Encounter nbout the same difficulties as in growing a garden. Sometimes 
bugs eat the plants. 

(13) Poor seed. Too much wet or dry weather. In 1892 small striped worm, 
about half the size of cutworiu, destroyed all leaves. 

(14) Insects do but little damage. The wind docs more damage than anything 
else. 

What are the staple i)roducts of your locality i' 

(1) Corn, oats, and wheat; ])rincipally wheat. 

(2) Corn and oats. 

(3) Corn, oats, barley, wheat, alfalfa. 

(4) Corn, oats, rye, wheat, and barley. 

(5) The same as (4). 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 225 

(6) Rye, oats, corn, wheat, and vegetables. 

(7) Corn, oats, and rye. 

(8) Corn, oats, rye, wheat, potatoes, etc. 

(9) Corn, oats, wheat, rye. 

(10) Corn, wheat, rye, oats, alfalfa. 

(11) Corn, oats, rye, wheat. 

(12) Corn, hay, oats, i)otatoes, onions, beets. 

(13) Corn, oats, rye, and some wheat. 

(14) Corn, wheat, oats, wild and domestic grasses. 
IIo^o do sugar beefs compare ivith the above crops for profit? 

(1) If properly handled the beets are much more profitable. 

(2) Better. 

(3) The beets pay a man 100 per cent better for the same effort and capital. 

(4) One acre of sugar beets will pay better than 10 acres of corn or other crops 
mentioned. 

(5) The same as (4). 

(6) Beets give a much higher profit. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Much better. 

(9) Beets pay better. 

(10) Five acres of beets pay in comparison better than 30 acres of other products. 

(11) They afford considerably more profit. 

(12) The net profit, as a rule, in raising sugar beets is no better than in raising the 
other crops mentioned. 

(13) Pay better than any of the staple crops mentioned. 

(14) When the beets come up to a good test they pay better than other crops 
mentioned. 

How long have you been raising sugar beets f 

(1) Five years. (2) Five years. (3) Three years. (4) Four years in Germany 
and six years in Nebraska. (5) Four years. (6) Two years. (7) Two years. (8) 
Seven years. (9) Two years. (10) Four j^ears. (11) Six years. (12) Four years. 
(13) Six years. (14) Three years. 
What fertiliser do you use? 

(1) Barnyard manure. (2) None. (3) Barnyard manure. (4) Barnyard manure. 
(5) Barnyard manure. (6) Stable manure. (7) No answer. (8) Barnyard manure. 
(9) Barnyard manure. (10) Barnyard manure. (11) None. (12) Manure. (13) 
Barnyard manure. (14) None. 
ffow do you apply fertilizer ? 

(1) Haul it to the field in the fall; scatter it lightly and evenly over the ground, 
and plow it lander as soon as possible. 

(2) Do not apply fertilizers. 

(3) Well-rotted nianuro gives good results. 

(4) For fall plowing apply 10 to 12 loads per acre. 

(5) For fall plowing apply 10 to 12 loads per acre. 

(6) Apply thin coat, well rotted, and get good results. 

(7) Scatter it broadcast immediately after plowing and before harrowing. 

(8) Apply it thickly and well rotted the year before planting. 

(9) Applied well rotted increases the growth. 

(10) Apply it to the field before plowing. 

(11) Do not use fertilizers. 

(12) Plow in well the year before the plants are to be planted. 

(13) Applied well rotted gives good results. 

(14) Do not apply fertilizers. 
How dee}) should ground be plou-ed? 

(1) Ten to 12 inches. 

H. Doc. 390 15 



226 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

(2) In the fall as deep as possible and 8 inches in the spring. 

(3) Plow 12 inches in the fall and cultivate in the spring, 

(4) In the fall 3 inches and in the spring 10 inches. 

(5) In the fall 3 inches and in the spring 10 inches. 

(6) Plow 7 inches in the fall and 10 inches in the spring. 

(7) It should be plowed about 10 inches. 

(8) Shallow plow in the fall twice and then 15 to 16 inches. 

(9) Plow 4 inches in the fall and 10 inches in the spring. 

(10) The gro^^nd should be plowed from 12 to 15 inches. 

(12) Plow 12 inches. 

(13) The ground should be plowed 10 inches. 

(14) Plow 9 to 11 inches. 
Hoiv deep should seed he planted ? 

(1) The depth of planting should be governed by condition of the land. 

(2) Plant seeds 2 inches. 

(3) Plant 1 inch or 8 times the diameter of the seed. 

(4) Plant seed about one-half inch. 

(5) Plant seed about one-half inch. 

(6) Plant 1 inch. 

(7) Plant from one-quarter to one-half inch. 

(8) One inch, but if soil is dry plant deeper. 

(9) Seed should be planted from one-half to three-quarters inch. 

(10) Should be planted one-half inch and no deeper. 

(11) Plant 1 inch deep. 

(12) Plant 1 inch or less. 

(13) If soil ismoist plant three-quarters inch, but if dry 1 inch. 

(14) Seeds should be planted from one-half to three-quarters inch. 
What do you think about ridging the rows? 

(1) Prefer smooth cultivation, but have had very good success with ridging. 

(2) I do not like ridging the rows. 

(3) I found it a good plan in Nebraska to plant level and ridge by cultivation. 

(4) Never have done anything of this kind. 

(5) Never have done anything of this kind. 

(6) We can cultivate the beets in this way. 

(7) I think it is a mistake to ridge any beet rows. 

(8) I do not like ridging the rows. 

(9) I keep the rows as Hat as possible; ridging has a tendency to raise the beets 
out of the ground and the rain washes away the dirt. 

(10) I never ridge my rows and do not believe it is a proper thing to do. 

(12) Do not ridge the rows, but mellow the ground deeper instead. 

(13) Do not ridge the rows. 

(14) Do not ridge; cultivate 9 inches deep so the beets can grow down. 
How do you silo your beets f 

(1) Take about thirty-five or forty rows of beets; begin in the center; leaving a 
place for the silos, I throw the beets in piles and top under bottom leaves. Throw 
in piles as you toj), cover Avith 6 inches of earth, leaving air holes on tops of jjiles; 
later cover with hay, then cover with more earth. 

(2) Put the beets in piles of 2 tons and cover with dirt 6 inches deep, leaving air 
holes. 

(3) I never keep my beets after harvesting; the factory being near they are hauled 
there at once. 

(4) Put the beets in a ditch 1 foot deep and 4 feet wide; after these piles are 3 
feet high cover with G inches of dirt and then with liorso manure when very cold. 
Place ventilators along the top of the ridge, made with straw. 

(5) Use the same ]»roces8 as (4). 

(6) Take off surface of the ground 5 to 12 inches and pile the beets until 2^ to 3 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 227 

feet high, then cover with 6 inches of dirt. Will keep iu this way until Christmas. 
If it gets too cold cover with straw or manure. 

(7) Put about 5 tons iu silo and cover the same with 8 inches to U feet of dirt. 

(8) In long ridges, 4 to 5 feet wide and 3 feet high; cover with 6 inches of dirt, 
and later cover with hay and coarse manure. 

(9) Short ricks of U tons, 3 feet wide at bottom and 3 feet high; cover with 4 
inches of dirt; about middle of November cover with coarse straw 4 to 6 inches. 
In this way I had beets that kept all winter. 

(10) Place the beets on top of the ground in rows 5 feet wide and 3^ feet high and 
make length r.s may be convenient. Cover with dirt 6 inches. 

(11) I pile the beets on the ground in ricks 10 to 30 feet long, 5 feet wide at bot- 
tom and 3 feet high. I cover the ricks with straw and 4 to 5 inches of dirt. 

(12) I dig a trench with a road scraper, into which I throw the beets and cover 
with hay or straw and dirt. 

(13) I pile the beets on the ground in rows of convenient length, 6 feet wide at 
the base and 3 to 3i feet high, and cover with 6 inches of dirt, leaving ventilator 
holes every 8 or 10 feet. The beets iu this way will keep until Christmas. If neces- 
sary cover with coarse manure or straw in the coldest weather. 

(14) Put them in silos 20 to 50 feet long. 
Hoiv many times do you hoe after tMnnincjf 

(1) Twice. (2) Twice. (3) Hoe once. (4) Once. (.5) Once. (6) Twice. (7) Hoe 
at least twice. (8) Once. (9) Do not hoe after thinning. (10) Hoe two or three 
times. (11) Hoe twice. (12) Three times. (13) Hoe twice. (14) Once. 

Does hoeing increase the yield? 

(1) Seldom. (2) Yes. (3) No answer. (4) No answer. (5) No answer. (6) No 
answer. (7) Yes. (8) No answer. (9) No answer. (10) Yes. (11) Yes, cultivation 
also increases yield. (12) Yes. (13) Yes. (14) Not if cultivatioii is deep. 

What is your experience? 

(1) If land is in good, clean condition and properly cultivated, a good deal of 
hoeing can be dispensed with. 

(2) I have always hoed twice or three times. 

(3) The greater the cultivation the better the results. 

(4) I think one hoeing is enough. 

(5) I think one hoeing is enough. 

(6) Working the land often Avill produce good results. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Each hoeiug will make two tons to the acre. 

(9) Keep the field clean and loose by cultivation. Hoe if the weeds get a start. 
I was weigh-master at Grand Island for two campaigns, 1895 and 1896, under the 
appointment of secretary of state on account of bounty. The factory rejected 
seventy car loads of beets during my first year, but afterwards accepted the beets 
and worked them up, paying $2.50 per ton. During my second year no beets were 
rejected. I think the first rejection was due to poor seed and bad, dry year. Very 
few beets tested 12 and 80 per cent in 1895. 

(10) Frequent hoeing will increase the yield of beets considerably. 
(11). Cultivation increases the yield. 

(12) The principal reasons that growing sugar beets has not been more profitable 
are high-priced labor (regular men getting $1.25 per day) ; high freight ($1 per ton) 
to factory. We mu.st raise at less expense and have a factory nearer home. 

(13) They can not be worked too much after the 4th of July, as will become too 
large. 

(14) No answer. 

How far apart do you plant the rows ? 

(1) 18 inches apart. (2) 18 inches apart. (3) 18 inches apart. (4) 18 inches 
apart. (5) 18 inches apart. (6) 18 inches apart. (7) 14 inches apart. (8) 18 to 20 



228 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

iuches apart. (9) 18 inches apart. (10) 14 inches apart. (11) 18 inchea apart. (12) 

17 inches apart (13) 18 inches apart. (14) 18 inches apart. 

How far apart do you thin out the heets? How much seed do you use per acref 

(1) On very rich land, 8 inches; poorer land, 9 or 10 iuches. 

(2) 8 to 9 inches. 

(3) 6 to 8 inches. I nse 20 pounds seed to the acre. 

(4) 8 inches. We use 15 pounds seeil to the acre. With use of hand machine can 
get along with 8 pounds seed. 

(5) 8 inches. 

(6) 8 inches. I nse 20 pounds seed to the acre; more than necessary if seed is 
good. 

(7) 8 inches. 

(8) 5 to 8 inches. Twenty ponnds seed should he planted to the acre. 

(9) I average 6 inches. I plant 18 ponnds seed to the acre. 

(10) 8 to 10 inches. 

(11) 6 inches; plant 18 to 20 pounds seed to the acre. 

(12) 6 to 8 inches. 

(13) 8 to 10 inches. I plant 20 pounds to the acre. 

(14) 8 to 10 inches. 

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS BY FACTORY OFFICIALS AND FARMERS IN 
CALIFORNIA AND NEW MEXICO. 

Following is a list of sugar-beet growers in California and New Mex- 
ico, the questions propounded to tliem, and the answers to tlie same: 

(1) Agriculturists at Alvarado factory, Alvarado, Alameda County, Cal. 

(2) S. T)'. Galliger (one of the best farmers) AVatsonville, Santa Cruz County, Cal. 

(3) S. Jcnson (one of the best farmers) Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, Cal. 

(4) W. C. Waters, manager Watsonville factory, Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, 
Cal. 

(5) E. H. Dyer, builder and operator of live factories in the United States, Alva- 
rado, Alameda County, Cal. 

(6) L. Hache, agriculturist, Chino factory, Chino, Cal. 

(7) J. L. Elam, farm superintendent, Alamitos factory, Los Alamitos, Cal. 

(8) R. C. Nisbet, farm superintendent of factory, Eddy, Eddy County, N. Mex. 
Number of acres (jrown? 

(1) 4,900 acres, by the farmers for the factory. (2.) 60. (3) 30. (4) No answer. 
(5) No answer. (6) No answer. (7) No answer. (8) 2,100. 
What is the usual time for plowing and harvesting? 

(1) Grain ground in fall after first rain; other ground in the spring. Harvesting 
begins middle of August and lasts until November. 

(2) Plow in winter; harvest from August to December. 

(3) Plow Christmas time; harvest between middle of August and December. 

(4) Plow in fall and harvest August to January. 

(5) Plow middle of April and in lowlands .June 1 ; harvest from September 1 to last 
November. 

(6) Plow deep as possible before rain and harvest from July to November 15. 

(7) Plow as early as possible and harvest from July 1 to end of campaign. 

(8) Plow fall and winter. Harvest 150 to 160 days after planting in this climate. 

Hoto do you prepare the ground f 

(1) Plow stiff land 16 inches and sandy land 10 to 12 inches; subsoil; pulverize 
very thoroughly, and roll before sowing; in dry weather roll after sowing. 

(2) Plow 12 inches; cultivate or plow again 8 to 10 iuches; harrow fine and thin; 
hand hoe once. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 229 

(3) Plow 10 to 12 inches. The harvesting of beet crop plows the ground for the 
next crop, which will be barley or potatoes. 

(4) Plow in fall; cultivate four to five times before planting and gain a little 
depth each year ; harrow down fine and let it rest about five days for moisture line 
to establish itself. 

• (5) Plow 12 to 14 inches in spring; harrow to very tine and pulverized condition; 
roll after plauting. 

(6) Plow ground as deep as possible, before rain if possible, 12 to 14 inches, using 
4 to 6 horse single plows; harrow, roll, aud pulverize; cultivate during the winter 
to kill the weeds; cultivate deep in the spring and roll aud plant; thin when three- 
quarters of the plants have four leaves, then cultivate with goose-feet cultivator 
three or four times ; hand hoe once to clean out weeds. Plant February 15 to June 1. 

(7) Plow as early as possible; then plow 12 inches across the second time; harrow 
the ground, aud iu the spring, after the rains, cultivate or harrow the land well ; 
plant, thin out, and cultivate with Moline or kindred four-row plow several times, 
and hand hoe. It pays to hand hoe. The soil runs down about 6 feet and then we 
have a quicksand subsoil; subirrigation comes down into this sand strata and capil- 
lary attraction brings it up in the soil. We must keep a dust mulch to stop evapo- 
ration. We plant fi'om February to March 30. 

(8) Plow 12 to 14 inches in fall; cultivate in spring or disk, then harrow and 
plant the same day; previously (say four days) to this we have irrigated; harrow 
on the level. 

Explain your mode of cultivation and describe your soil. 

(1) We cultivate with one-row cultivator, on account of unevenness of ground, 
about 7 inches, simply loosening and turning up the soil twice ; hoe twice. The soil 
is sandy, with little loam, then sandy loam and disintegrated soil. 

(2) Hire Japanese at 50 cents per ton to thin, hand hoe, and keep out weeds; hand 
hoe once; horse hoe once; black sand loam. 

(3) Thin out as early as possible, or about the time 4 leaves are out ; early thin- 
ning is important; then Avith horse hoe, single-row hoe once; cut out weeds if any 
last; previous to horse hoeing hand hoe once; prepare land by cultivating once or 
twice in spring before planting; black loam soil. 

(4) Thin aud weed in the rows by hand ; push hoeing once single row ; one to 
three horse cultivations, according to the looseness of sand, down 3 to 6 inches. 
The soil is (1) sandy sediment, (2) clay sediment, (3) adobe. The latter is good as 
any, but requires more labor. 

(5) Cultivate witb Planet, Jr., once; hand hoe once; thin and bunch early so as 
not to disturb the plants, the earlier the better, or as soon as you can tell beets from 
weeds. The soil is sandy made land from wash of mountains; sandy adobe which 
becomes bard. 

(6) Answered as to cultivation in reply to previous question. Mostly sandy loam, 
3 to 8 feet; subsoil, white clay; sometimes layers of coarse sand. 

(7) Answered in reply to previous question. Soil, sandy loam; subsoil, clay with 
sand strata. 

(8) To insure thorough stand, follow planting with water furrowing and water ; 
cultivate three or four times; hoe once; irrigate three to four times. The rows 
alternate 14 to 26 inches apart, with water furrow in wide row. The soil is a very 
fine dust sediment 3 to 20 feet deep, followed by a lime solid hardpau. 

What are the requirements of sugar beets for moisture? 

(1) Plenty at time of germination. We want no moisture after June. Light 
showers and heavy rains bake the soil and not much is required. Got none this 
year. 

(2) Heavy winter and March rains ; light showers for summer. 

(3) My beets had no rain after planting; should have showers before planting and 
heavy rains in winter and spring. 



230 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

(4) Want tliree or four rains in November, none in December, live iu January, 
three to four iu Febrviary, and spring showers to 24th May, and this will do the busi- 
ness. Beets do best in dry years. 

(5) If we jjlant on fresh ground, the seeds germinate, dry out, and die. We wait 
until the top dries and moisture comes up from below. We need April rains, and 
then the reserve the soil carries will mature the crop with slight showers. 

(6) We get rain from December to March and showers in April. 

(7) The moisture comes up in November to the surface without rain ; iu low places 
it stands in pools. The days are short, the nights are cool and winds less in fall, 
consequently evaporation is reduced. 

(8 ) Four or live irrigations, with one for cultivating the seed bed in the spring. 
Irrigate after seeding once about thinning time and the other two when the beets 
call for it. 

What are your estimates per acre for cost of raising and marketing heets? What are the 
rent values ? 

(1) $22 to $30 per acre rent; $15 to $20 per acre cash. The cost of raising the 
beets includes the marketing. 

(2) $19.50 per acre; rent $10. I pay Japanese 50 cents per ton and deliver the 
beets to the factory at $1.50 cost to me. 

(3) $36 per acre; rent $8 per acre. I get about $56 per acre. The cost per acre 
includes marketing. 

(4) $28 per acre, delivered to the factory ; rent $8 to $20. We have 10,000 acres 
that average $10.50. Sugar beets double the price of rents. 

(5) $30 and $35, raised and delivered. 

(6) $20 to $25 per acre; rent one-fifth to one-quarter of crop. We average $4.25 
per ton for beets. 

(7) $25 per acre; rent one-quarter crop. Beets average 9 tons, at $4.50 per ton, 
making rent about $10. Will make more later. 

(8) I had 30 acres aud paid for everything, and it cost me $25 per acre to put the 
beets ou the cars. With farmers the amount is usually about this figure. 

How many tons do you average per acre, and what is the average sugar quality of your 
teets ? 

(1) 11 to 14 tons per acre; 10| per cent white sugar qviality. 

(2) 15 tons; do not know the sugar quality. 

(3) 14 tons per acre; I do not know the sugar quality. 

(4) 12 tons sure; 18 per cent sugar quality ; 80 purity. 

(5) 15 tons per acre ; 14 to 15 per cent sugar quality ; 80 to 83 purity. 

(6) Average 12 to 15 tons; 15 to 16 per cent sugar quality; purity 80. 

(7) This year 9 tons; 16.5 sugar quality ; purity 84 

(8) I had 9 tons per acre. The returns from the factory from general sources 
showed about 8 tons. Last year had 16f per cent for sugar <iuality aud purity 86 
for entire campaign. 

What do you recommend in the way of requirement, horses, and implements? 

(1) No answer. 

(2) Double gang heavy 5-foot cut cultivator; hand hoes; 5 or 6 horses (heavy); 
beet seeder, beet harvester, and beet cultivator. 

(3) Gang jilow (this takes from 5 to 6 horses) ; hoe cultivator which takes 5 feet 
aud for preparing land 12 inches deej) will take 5 to 7 horses; baud hoe. 

(4) Hand wheel hoe; horse 4-row cultivator; two 12-inch Stockton gangs; har 
rows; horses. 

(5) Single-man wheel hoes ; horse single-row hoes; deep roller. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Four good horses; stirring plow ; cultivator; disk; harrow. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 231 

Hotv many acres, %vith good equipment, can one man tend? 

{!) No auswer. 

(2) With 50 cents per ton for Japanese labor he can tend 40 acres. 

(3) 40 to 50 acres with help to do the thinning and hoeing. 

(4) 10 acres. 

(5) I do not know. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) 25 to 30 acres. 

TVhat are obstacles you encounter, including diseases, insects, etc.? 

(1) Worms and extreme dry weather. 

(2) Nothing. 

(3) Some bugs, some cutworms, and dry weather. 

(4) Black beetles do some damage, but seldom cutworms; a small black iiy does 
some damage when the beet is ripening, but not serious. 

(5) Dry or wet weather occasionally; sometimes cutworms cause damage. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) We had a small .beetle that produced a worm that attacked the beets, com- 
pletely destroying some. It was similar to the Colorado beetle. Then, beets sufter 
seriously here from a rot that attacks the taproot, which rots and completely 
destroys the root as it works up the beet, which in time dies. We have suffered 
seriously from this disease at this time. 

How often do you rotate, and with what f 

(1) Plant corn one year, potatoes one year, and then beets. 

(2) Barley or wheat ; potatoes ; beets. 

(3) Beets; grain; potatoes; some two years beets. 

(4) Every year. Beets; barley; potatoes. 

(5) Three crops. Beets; then barley; then beets. 

(6) We do not grow much of anything but beets; rest ground when necessary. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) We have raised beets but one year; we can grow alfalfa and corn, and we will 
probably rotate with these. 

Would yon treat land for beets that had grown beets the year before, and what are the staple 
crops of your locality ? 

(1) You can grow beets for two years in succession, possibly; it dries the soil too 
much to continue longer. Staple products here are fruit, potatoes, corn, onions; 
ordinarily beets pay about as well. 

(2) Our staple crops are barley, potatoes, wheat, and beets. Beets will pay as 
well on the average as wheat. This year I made $40 per acre clear above all exijenses 
but rent; I own the land. 

(3) Barley, potatoes, wheat, and fruit. Beets are much the best crop; they com- 
pare favorably with wheat this year. 

(4) Never follow with beets the next year; our staple products are barley, pota- 
toes, beans. 

(5) Staple products are barley, wheat, corn, fruit, potatoes, and gardening. Beets 
are much the best crop. 

(6) Wheat, barley, and beans are grown here. We do not raise much of anything 
but beets, as they pay best. We do not rotate, but rest the soil when necessary. 
We raise 15 to 20 sacks barley to an acre. 

(7) We rotate with barley or corn. We grow besides beets, potatoes, corn, some 
wheat, and fruit. 

(8) Our staple products are alfalfa, corn, beets. 

[Note. — The comparisons with wheat were in September, when it was selling 
for $1 per bushel.— C. F. S.] 



232 BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 

How Jung Itave you heen raisimj sugar hecta? )riiat fcrtiliztr do you use, and how do you 
apply itf 

(1) Eight years. (No answer as to fertilizer.) 

(2) Five j'ears. (No auswer as to fei'tilizer.) 

(3) Five years. (No answer as to fertilizer,) 

(4) No answer. 

(5) Several years. Do uot use fertilizer. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) One year. Do not use fertilizer. 

When and how deep should ground be plotced, and hoiv dee}) should seed be planted? 

(1) No answer as to ground. Seed sliould be planted one-half inch to 2 inches, 
depending on moisture; if dry, plant deep. 

(2) Plow fall and winter 12 to 14 inches. Plant seed one half to three-fourths 
inches if dry. 

(3) Plow 12 inches at Christmas time, and cultivate once or twice in the spring. 
Plant seed 2 to 4 inches when ground is dry. 

(4) Plow in fall and cultivate in spring; plow 8 inches to start with. Plant seed 
an inch, and deeper if the moisture line is deep. 

(5) Plow 12 to 14 inches in the spring. We have no frost, and the ground i»acks 
with fall plowing. Plant seed one-half inch if dry. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Plow 12 to 14 inches in fall and -winter. Plant seed 1 to 1^^ inches. 
What do you think about ridging the rows, and do you silo your beets f 

(1) Ridging will not do here. It is too dry. Do uot silo. 

(2) Flat farmiug prevails here. Do not silo. 

(4) All flat. Generally plant the other way and put the rows at right angle with 
the wind, which is usually from the Avest, so that the sand will not dry and cut the 
beets; thin as soon as possible or just as soon as plant has two leaves. The cost for 
four leaves will be $4 more than for two leaves for thinning. 

(3) We farm flat; in fact, would rather put in trenches. 

(5) Do not ridge, but make them as level as possible. Do not silo. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Do not approve ridging. I plant flat and furrow in the wide rows. Do not 
silo, but keep them in the ground. 

How do you top beets? 

(1) One at a time with a knife. 

(2) With single stroke of a large knife. 

(3) With a single stroke of large knife and throw tops in piles. 

(4) By hand with one stroke of 12-inch kuifi! and uilc on end in rows. 

(5) Top by hand with one stroke of large knife in the fleld; cut all above ground. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) With one stroke of a large knife. 

How many times do you hoe after thinning, and does frequent hoeing increase the yield? 

(1) Once before and once after thinning; frequent hoeing increases yield very 
much. 

(2) Once by hand and once by horse hoe; cultivate mostly before planting. 

(3) Once with wheel hoe anil once Avith hand hoe. 

(4) I seldom hoe after thinning, except to kill weeds. 

(5) Once; we have no trouble with weeds after lirst hoeing; I think twice is 
enough. 

(6) No answer. 



BEET-SUGAR INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED STATES. 233 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Ouce; does not increase the yield inucli. 

How far apart do you plant the rows, and how far do you thin out? 

(1) 18 inches apart; on ordinary land I think 6 to 10 inches, on good land 6 inches. 

(2) 20 inches apart; thin 6 inches. 

(3) 20 inches apart; thin 8 to 10 inches. 

(1) 20 inches apart; thin 3 inches to 2 feet, depending on soil; if very light and 
sandy thin 2 feet. 

(5) 15 inches apart, and sometimes 18 inches; thin 4 to 5 inches. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) 18 inches apart; thin G to 8 inches in rows. 

(8) Alternate 14 and 26 inches apart; thin 8 inches. 

How much seed do you plant per acre, and what varieties do you use? Which do you 
2)refer ? 

(1) 15 pounds per acre; Kleinwanzlebener and Vilmoria seed. Prefer Klein wanz- 
lebener for stiff laud and Yilmorin for soft and loose land. 

(2) 10 pounds per acre; Kleinwanzlebener. 

(3) 12 pounds per acre; use Kleinwanzlebeuer seed. 

(4) 2^ pounds to 10 pounds, according to width of rows; use Kleinwanzlebener, 
which I x>refer. 

(5) 15 x)ounds per acre. I use Kleinwanzlebener. I prefer Imperial Rose (Verber- 
setta Rosa). The latter while not a high sugar beet does better. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Use original Kleinwanzlebeuer and the Horning strain of the same; prefer the 
Horning. 

Are the tops good stock feed? 

(1) Yes; but better for fertilizer. 

(2) Yes; but better for fertilizer. 

(3) Yes; we sell it for 25 cents ])er load. 

(4) Yes ; but we do not allow the tops to be removed, as they are used as a fertilizer. 

(5) Yes; but it pays better to use them as a fertilizer. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) I think not. 

What do you think of sugar beets for feed ? 

(1) I think they make good feed for cattle, sheep, and hogs. 

(2) Make a good feed. 

(3) Do not know. 

(4) Make a first-class feed. 

(5) They make a first-class feed. I once fattened 1,000 hogs by steaming beets. 
Make a good horse feed and are good for milk. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) Do not think much of them for this purpose. 
What do you think of pulp for feed? 

(1) First-class for milk and feed of cattle, sheep, and hogs. 

(2) Makes a fine feed for all kinds of stock. 

(3) I have not tried it. 

(4) The pulp is first-class for fattening. 

(5) Pulp is good for feed for dairying and for ration for fattening animals. 

(6) No answer. 

(7) No answer. 

(8) I have not experimented with it. 



II^DEX, 



Page. 

Agricultural surveys, Importance and plans 21 

Alcohol, manufacture from beet-sugar molasses 173, 174 

Altitude as modification of sugar-beet growing 168 

Aluminum and silica, inconvenience in beet-siigar making 207 

American ingenuity and enterprise as factors in beet-sugar industry 176 

Analyses of sugar beets, cautions regarding 41 

Arid regions, meteorological conditions 35 

Arizona, analyses of beets 43 

experiment station report ; discussion of data 56 

Arkansas, analyses of beets; discussion of data 43, 60 

Armsby, II. P., report 15, 109 

Beet pulps. {See Sugar-beet pulps.) 

seed, source and quality 117 

sugar, answers of factory officials regarding factory work 208 

factories in operation, list 162 

industry, conditions to be considered 23 

local prosperity as result 184 

United States as competitor with Europe 175 

problem of making ready for market 209 

statistics 160 

yield in factory of 300 tons capacity per day 214 

Beets, crude materials required per ton in sugar making 217 

discussion of blight and its relation to irrigation 196 

estimate of number of acres for cultivation by one man 224 

general suggestions for raising 186 

number of acres for one man in California and New Mexico 231 

tons necessary to produce ton of white sugar 211 

obstacles to growing in California and New Mexico 231 

reports by Nebraska growers of number of years' experience 225 

sugar, conditions for growing in spring of 1897 196 

cultivation, harvesting, and silos; irrigation 191-193 

distance apart of planting in California and New Mexico 233 

equipment for raising in ISfebraska 223 

factors affecting yield 197 

indication of need of water by irrigation 194 

notes on depth to which, roots go seeking moisture 166, 168 

obstacles to growing, as reported by Nebraska growers 224 

opinions of Nebraska growers on ridging of rows 226 

recommendations of growers as to equipment for growing 230 

relation of permanent agricultural conditions 203 

reports of average yield per acre 223 

thinning and bunching in cultivation 190 

width of rows 189 

yield, or " tonnage" per acre 182 

treatment of land in California and New Mexico 231 

use of tops for feed 233 

Bibliography of Department publications relative to beet sugar 12 

Blight in beets, discussion 196 

Bloomfield, L. M., report 102 

By-products of beet-sugar making, nature and value 171 

California, analyses of beets 43 

answers of farmers and factory officials as to sugar beets 228 

discussion of data as to sugar beets 60 

growth of sugar beets without rain or irrigation 167 

note on cultivation of sugar beet 187 

Capillary attraction, influence in bringing water to beet crop 166 

Capital, amount necessary for beet-sugar factories to supply United States with 

sugar 220 

235 



236 INDEX. 

Page. 

Cattle food, use of sugar beeto 128 

use of sugar-beet pulp as feed 171 

Climatology 21 

Coal, notes on use in beet-sugar factory 202 

Coke and limestone, use by beet-sngar factories 170 

cost to beet-sugar factory ; uuswers of factoi'y officials 211 

Colorado, analyses of beets 43 

discussion of data as to sugar beets • 61 

experiment station report 63 

Connecticut, meteorological conditions 29 

Consumption of sugar, extent 161 

rate of increase per capita for leading countries 218 

Corn, cleanness from weeds on land previously in sugar beets 170 

Cos.settes, exbaiisted. {See Sugar-beet pulps.) 

Cost of factories for beet sugar 212 

per acre of raising and marketing sugar beets 223, 230 

Council Bluffs, Iowa, note on lands for sugar-beet growing 199 

County associations for sugar-beet investigation 185 

Crop, value of sugar beets 197 

Crops, rotation witb reference to sugar beets 204, 231 

Crude materials required per tou of beets worked 217 

Cultivation, bigb state for sugar beets 170 

of beets for sugar 191 

sugar beets, hoeing after thinning 232 

in California and New Mexico 228 

Nebraska 227 

methods in Nebraska 221 

Cultivator, four-row, use with sugar beet 188 

Curtiss, C. F., report 72 

Cutworms, damage to beets in spring of 1897 196 

Dairies in connectiou with sugar-beet factories 171 

Data as to beets obtained in the Department of Agriculture 40 

Delaware, meteorological conditions 28 

DeiJartment of Agriculture, discussion of work on sugar-beet problem 165 

Dust mulch, use in growing sugar beets in California 167 

Dyer, G. S., discussion of lime rocks and waters for beet-sugar making 207 

Expeuses, general, of beet-sugar factories 214, 215 

Experiment stations, work in sugar-beet investigation 184 

Experimental beds for planting sugar beets 180, 181 

work, comments in early Chemical Division bulletins 17 

Experiments in 1897, correspondence and plan; observations 16,17,178 

feeding beet pulps 131 

growing sugar beets in the United States 161 

Factories, beet-sugar, estimate of capacities 163 

for beet sugar in Germany 219 

new, note on capitalization in different sections 216 

Factory, beet-sugar, estimates of cost for 300and500tous capacities per day. 213, 215 

conditions in beet-sugar industry 200 

officials, answers to questions relating to factory work 208, 228 

operators, observation on answers to ([uestions 212 

Farmer, cost of raising sugar beets and delivering to factory 208 

obligation to use seed as directed 178 

Farmers in beet-sugar industry in California and New Mexico, answers 228 

Farming, factor of intelligence 183 

Feed, use of sugar beets ; of tops ; of pulp 233 

Fertilizer for sugar beets, kind and application 225, 232 

Fertilizers, use of beet-sugar molasses 174 

Food for stock, use of molasses from beet sugar 174 

Forbes, R. H., rei)ort 56 

Fuel for beet-sugar factory, discussion 201, 211 

use by beet sugar factories 170 

Fulmer, Elton, report 116 

Germany, discussion of beet-sugar industry : . . 219 

Goetz, A. S., letter relative to beet pulp 130 

Goose feet, use as implement in cultivation of sugar beets 188 

Growers of sugar beets in Nebraska, answers to questions 220 

Harvesting implements for sugar beets 192 

of sugar beets, time 191,210,221,228 

Ileadeu, W. P., report 63 



INDEX. 257 

Pagp. 

Hoeing of sugar beets .after thinning, practice of Nebraska growers 227 

frequency and effect 232 

Huston, H. A., report : 70 

Idaho, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 44, 64 

experiment station report 65 

Illinois, analyses of beets; discussion of data 44, 68 

meteorological conditions 32 

Implements for harvesting sugar beets 192 

sowing sugar beets ; for cultivating 187, 188 

Indiana, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 44, 69 

beets for seed production 146 

experiment station report 70 

meteorological conditions 32 

Insects, damage to sugar beets in spring of 1897 - 197 

Iowa, analyses of beets; discussion of data 45, 72 

beets for seed productiou 146 

meteorological conditions 33 

Irrigation and rains, joint use in growing sugar beets 167 

for sugar beets, discussion; signs of need 193, 194 

note ou relation to blight of beets 196 

Isothermal lines 24 

Jordan, W. H., report 94 

Kansas, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 45, 74 

summary of analyses by the experiment station 75 

Kentucky, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 46, 76 

beets for seed prodtiction 145 

Labor, employment in beet-sugar industry 170 

in raising beets, tisefuluess of boys and girls 204 

skilled cost in 300-ton beet-sugar factory 214 

Land for experiment with sugar beets, notes ou selection 179 

sugar beets, average rent to iarniers 208 

Lime and water for beet-sugar factory jiurposes 205 

rocks and waters in manufacture of beet sugar 207 

use of residuum from beet sugar factories as fertilizers 174 

Limestone and coke, demand of beet-sugar factories 171 

discussion of use in beet-sugar industry 202 

source and cost for beet-sugar making 211 

suggestions on composition ibf beet-sugar manufacture 205 

Machinery, estimate of factory officials on reduction in cost of siagar by recent 

improvements 208 

for beet-sugar making, percentage of American make in use 210 

Map of the thermal bolt 23,24 

Market, problem of preparing beet sugar 209 

Markets, advantage to American producers of beet sugar 177 

discussion for beet-sugar industry 203 

Maryland, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 46, 77 

Eastern Shore, meteorological conditions 27 

Massachusetts, meteorological conditions 29 

Melassigenic salts, discussion 206 

Meteorological conditions 27 

Michigan, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 46, 78 

meteorological conditions 32 

rcsumd of tiie experiment station report 78 

Minnesota, analyses of beets; discussion of data 47, 81 

meteorological conditions '33 

report of the experiment station 82 

Missouri, analyses of beets; discussion of data 47, 83 

summary of data from the experiment station 84 

Model for describing sugar beets 38 

Moisture, relation to problem of growing sugar beets 166, 222 

requirements of sugar beets in California and New Mexico 229 

Molasses, experiments in making beet sugar 212 

from sugar beets, discussion 172 

in beet-sugar making, problem of disposal 209 

made from beets in Germany 219 

Montana, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 49, 85 

summary of data from the experiment station 85 

Mulch, dust, use to prevent evaporation in growing sugar beets in California . 167 
Mule, superior value in cultivation of sugar beets 188 



238 INDEX. 

Page. 

Nebraska, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 49, 86 

answers of growers of sugar beets 220 

details of expenses of sugar-beet growing at Norfollt 198 

meteorological conditions 35 

obstacles to growing of sugar beets 224 

recommendations as to equipment for raising sugar beets 223 

report of the experiment station 86 

staple products of sugar-beet sections 224 

Nevada, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 50, 87 

report of the experiment station 88 

New Hampshire, meteorological conditions 29 

New Jersey, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 50, 88 

experiments in Monmouth County .• 89 

meteorological conditions 28 

New Mexico, answers of farmers and factory officials as to sugar beets 228 

experience of beet growers sending answers 232 

report of the experiment station ; discussion 90 

staple crops in beet sugar section 231 

New York, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 50, 93 

meteorological conditions 30 

regions suited to beet culture 98 

report of the Cornell University experiment station 96 

State experiment station 94 

Norfolk, Nebr., report in detail on expenses of sugar-beet growing 198 

North Carolina, analyses of beets; discussion of data 51,99 

meteorological conditions 27 

North Dakota, analyses of beets; discussion of data 51, 99 

meteorological conditions 34 

Officials, factory, answers to questions regarding factory work 208 

Ohio, analyses of beets; discussion of data 51, 100 

meteorological conditions 31 

report of the experiment station 102 

Oklahoma, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 52, 103 

report of the experiment station 103 

Oregon, rejiort of the experiment station 104 

Pacific coast, unusiial conditions of soil moisture 195 

Paper, experiments in mannlacture from sugar-beet pulp 172 

Pennsylvania, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 52, 108 

meteorological conditions 31 

summary of an alyses 108 

Petroleum, note on use in Ijeet-sugar factory 202 

Planting of beets for sugar making, time 210 

sugar beets, depth 232 

distance apart of rows in Nebraska 227 

points considered 187 

reports of Nebraska growers 226 

Plowing for sugar beets, depth 225, 232 

in Caliibrnia and New Mexico, time 228 

notes on thoroughness for sugar beets 180 

of sugar beets, usual time 221 

Price of sugar beets, answers of factory officials 208 

Product and returns of 500-ton beet-sugar factory 216 

of beet-sugar factory of 300 tons capacity per day 214 

Production of sugar beets, cost and net profit per acre 198 

Profits and running expenses of factory of 300 tons capacity per day 213 

Pulp, beet, demand as feed for animals 171 

estimate of value of product of factory of 300 tons capacity 214 

feeding, report by John Eeimers, of Grand Island, Nebr 216 

of sugar boots, problem of disposal 209 

quantity of residue from ton of beets ; experiments 212 

value and price for feeding purposes 172 

Pulps. (See Sugar-beet pulps.) 

Eainfall, annual 25 

relation to irrigation in cultivation of sugar beets 193 

table of averages 25 

Pains and irrigation, joint use in sugar-beet growing 167 

Rent of sugar-beet lands in California and Now Mexico 230 

Phodo Island, analyses of beets; discussion of data 52, 110 

Roberts, 1. 1'., report 96 



INDEX. 239 

Page. 

Rows, width in cultivation of sugar beets; ridging 189, 226 

SaJarics for beet-sugar factory of 300 tons capacity per day 214, 215 

Salts in solution and effect in water used in sugar manufacture 205 

Sampling of sugar beets by growers, discussion 181 

Saylor, Charles F., report as special agent 161-233 

Seed bed for sugar beets, soil and preparation 186 

development 158 

for sngar beet, amount per acre reported from Nebraska 228 

depth of planting 232 

growth from selected seed 158 

kind found best, answers of factory officials 209 

of sugar beets, discussion 199 

margin for factory of 300 tons capacity per day 215 

method of purchase 211 

quantity per acre and kind in California and New Mexico. 233 

note on necessity for large quantity in growing beets for sugar 204 

production, investigations 141 

stations, location 159 

Seeder for sugar beets, notes on use 187 

Seeds obligation of farmer to use as directed 178 

of sugar beet, distribution and directions for use 166 

Selby, A. D., report 102 

Shaw, G. W., report 104 

Sheep, use of sugar-beet pulp as feed 171 

Shepard, J. H., abstracts from report Ill 

Silica and aluminum, inconvenience in beet-sugar making 207 

Silo for sugar beets, methods of making in California and New Mexico 232 

reports of Nebraska growers , 226 

Silos for sugar beets, notes 191 

Soil for sugar beets, descriptions by Nebraska growers 222 

in California and New Mexico 229 

natural fertility in United States as factor in beet-sugar industry 175 

physical condition for sugar-beet growing 167 

preparation for experiments 179 

South Carolina, analyses of beets; discussion of data 52,110 

South Dakota, analyses of beets; discussion of data 53, 110 

meteorological conditions 34 

summary of analyses Ill 

Statistics of beet-sugar production 160 

Steffen process for treatment of beet-sugar molasses 173 

Storage of sugar beets prior to hauling to factory 210 

Subsoils favorable and unfavorable to sugar beet 168 

Sugar, average quality from beets in Nebraska 223 

beet, comiiaratively small area necessary for growing 177 

discussion of factory conditions of industry 200 

. importance of industry to United States 169 

necessity of piire water for manufacture 201 

note on original cost of factory 203 

present status of manufacture in United States 162 

quantity of beets necessary to make ton of sugar 211 

requirement as to size 182 

susceptibility to climatic conditions 21 

Sugar-beet belt as mapped by Dr. Antisell ; notes on zone 12, 25 

modifying conditions other than temperature 166 

of United States, discussion 164 

cultivation, cost in Wisconsin 123 

farms, rents and values, discussion 169 

pulp, composition 129 

pulps, analyses, before and after siloing 133, 134 

composition and feeding tests 130 

use for cattle food 129 

Sugar beets as cattle food 128 

compared with other root crops 129 

cautions in using the analytical data 41 

comparison of profits with other crops 225 

cost of raising and net profit 7ier acre 198 

cultivation of experimental plats 181 

demand for crude material by factories 170 

directions for taking samples 37 



240 INDEX. 

Page. 

Sugar beets, directions for topping 38 

experiments of successful growers 220 

from high-grade seed, analyses by the Department 150 

discussion of data 154, 156 

influence of temperature on the quality 125 

planting in experimental beds 180 

suggestions as. to sowing 186 

summary of analyses 135 

table of analyses by the Department 43 

value of crop 197 

work of experiment stations 184 

yield in Wisconsin 123 

consumption of leading European countries and United States 218 

content and purity of beets, conditions which influence 164 

duty as an aid to beet-sugar industry 177 

extensive consumption 161 

percentage extracted from beets by factories 163 

raw, quantity made from beets in Germany 2I9 

variation of percentage with size of beet 182 

Temperature, remarks on requirement for growing sugar beets 164 

Tennessee, analyses of beets 53 

beets for seed production 144 

Texas, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 53, 112 

report of the experiment static 113 

Thermal belt 23 

for growing of sugar beets, remarks on map 165 

Thinning of sugar beets in Nebraska 228 

sugar beets, discussion 190 

Topping of beets, methods in California and New Mexico 232 

Utah, advantages of elevation and temperature for growing sugar beets 169 

analyses of beets 53 

Vermont, analysis of beets ; discussion of data 53, 124 

meteorological conditions 29 

report of the experiment station 125 

Virginia, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 53, 114 

report of the experiment station 1 14 

Vredenburgh, James B., experiments 89 

Wages for 500 ton beet-sugar factory 215 

in sugar-beet work for factory of 300 tons capacity 214 

Washington, analyses of beets ; discussion of data 54, 115 

report of the experiment station 116 

Water and lime for beet-sugar factory purposes 205 

condensed jrom evaporators, advantage of use in beet-sugar making.. . 207 

for beet-sugar factory, necessity of purit^^ 201 

suggestions as to application in irrigation 194 

Weeds, necessity for thorouuli cleanness in sugar-beet culture .• 204 

West Virginiai, analyses of beets 54 

meteorological conditions 27 

Wheat, production of lino crops on Pacific coast -without rain 196 

Wiley, Harvey W., special report as chemist 11-160 

Wisconsin, analyses of beets; discussion of data 54, 119 

beets for seed pioduction 146 

cost of cultivation of beets 123 

experiments at substations 122 

witli high grade beet seed 148 

influence of the Menominee Falls failure with beets 128 

investigations by the experiment station 119 

meteorological conditions 32 

table of analytical data 120 

yield of beets 123 

Woll,F.W., report 120 

Wood, notes on use in beet-sugar factory 202 

Wyoming, analyses of beets; discussion of data 55, 123 • 



